A Leadership Guide For Players

• Leadership is a skill, not a rank. Being a good player gives you more influence, but it doesn't make you a better leader.
• Make sure your side of the street is clean.
• Being curious about your teammates goes along way towards getting the most out of them.
• Leadership isn't the right to tell other people what to do.
• Admit your mistakes. Showing vulnerability leads to respect and buy-in.
• Be a direct truth teller. Just be aware of your tone.
• Your teammates know if you're full of it. You are never fooling them.
• Leadership is more than being loud.
• The ability to listen is a huge part of leadership.
• If you don't bring it every day, you won't have their respect, no matter what you say.
• Your approach has a bigger impact on your team than you realize.
• There is no ego in leadership.
• You'll get the most out of your team if you get everyone to lead.
• You can make up for a lot by simply competing your ass off.
• If you are willing to overlook something, it will become the norm sooner than you think.
• "Selfish" and "great leader" don't go together.
• Sometimes great leadership is staying out of the way.
• Don't be so quick to inject your intensity into an already intense situation.
• If they see you showing up early or staying late, they'll do the same.
• Help the young players learn the plays. Don't yell at them. It was hard for you too.
• Try and win every sprint. And make sure you always touch the line.
• You have the ability to help your teammates gain confidence.
• Embrace the hard stuff in practice. Don't complain about it. Your teammates will mimic you.
• Understand the concepts and purpose of what you are trying to do. If you can't explain it, you can't hold others accountable for it.
• Enjoy practice every day. Everyone will notice if you are having fun.
• Keep things light. It's okay to joke around. Just make sure you understand when.
• Run the extra sprints with the guys who were late for class.
• Don't turn the locker room into a lounge. Get in and get out. You are there to get better.
• It's okay to take a day off.
• Leadership is influence, and it's with you wherever you go.
• What you do is so loud, they can't hear what you say.
• There is no need to draw attention to yourself. You are trying to make your teammates better, not running for office.