What concrete steps have I made to teach my players leadership? Before I examine that, what 'curriculum' belongs under the leadership rubric? In other words, what shared qualities belong among leaders?
The 1992 "Just Another Girl on the I.R.T." examined one girl's struggle to escape the ordinary and achieve success. Instead of the Interborough Rapid Transit, IRT means Inspiration, Respect, and Trust as critical elements of leadership.
Inspiration follows 'modeling', how we care, communicate, and connect with players. That includes both verbal and nonverbal communication.
Respect must be earned, not distributed with a title. A degree (like an M.D.) is meaningless unless professional behavior backstops it. I knew one physician in training many years ago who demanded her students and peers call her "Commander", although she had inferior clinical and interpersonal skills. She wanted titular respect when she lacked professional qualities.
We teach trust when we are honest and transparent in our relationships, explain expectations and roles, and listen sincerely. We can't make promises that we can't keep...but we must recognize and reward effort and progress.
When share leadership examples and principles from our experience and reading. My high school coach, Ellis 'Sonny' Lane, emphasized relentlessness using a quote from "Butch Cassidy"...
Two key takeaways from David Cottrell's Monday Morning Leadership were 1) the Main Thing is the Main Thing and 2) People don't quit jobs, they quit people. Stay focused and make sure everyone shares the same focus and treat people right. Bill Walsh's The Score Takes Care of Itself reminds us to adhere to our "Standards of Performance". Never compromise who you are or what you stand for.