Leadership - Traits of a Champion
by Doug Reese TTNL
"The price of greatness is responsibility." - Winston Churchill

"Leadership is not found in position, it is found in action and influence." - Glen Martin

"The first step in leadership is servanthood." - John Maxwell
Vince Lombardi once said, "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." Effective leadership is modeled before a word is ever spoken. Your commitment can be seen in everything you do - a person who has a championship type commitment has the greatest impact of all, no words are needed, for your actions are larger than words. Champions do their talking in the way they train, in the way they practice, and in the way they compete.

True leaders walk the walk. They are the ones who are the first to practice and the last to leave. They are the one's who study video tape, ask question after question, and log in the most intense hours. They see repetition after repetition as the building blocks to future success.

They love winning. But, they also hate losing more than they enjoy the taste of victory.

They are known for their work ethic as well as their attitude. They are positive and upbeat day in and day out. They have vision. Their attitudes become contagious. They are the "heartbeat" of the team.

They reach down to pick up a fallen teammate. They encourage. Team is everything to them. They know and realize the power and strength in numbers. They also realize that no one, no one is bigger than team, yet at the same time they realize that everyone on the team plays a big role - and they know that every role is important.

Definition of a Leader...

  • When you believe that the best interest of the team must come first.
  • When you leave it all on the field, court, mat, or pool - no matter what the score or situation.
  • When you make a mistake and you use it as a learning experience rather than as an excuse.
  • When you do the little things right - even when no one is watching.
  • When you give more that what is asked for or expected, and take less of what is deserved.
  • When you play with pain without pointing to yourself.
  • When you encourage and cheer on the team when you are on the bench.
  • When you refuse to talk trash about the team, the coach, or a teammate.
  • When you expect and demand the best from your teammates.
  • When you take pride in your team.
  • When you volunteer your time and energy for the betterment of the program - rather than looking for "what's is in it for me?"

Are you this type of athlete? What's holding you back? Your team and coach needs you - become a leader today!
Copyright (c) 2001, TTNL Reprinted with persmission.