Curiosity and Leadership

A trait I usually find in the best leaders I coach is curiosity. Great leaders are naturally curious about their teammates. I'm not sure this is something you can teach. It's more of a personality trait than a skill you can cultivate. And to me, it's a trait that helps make you an effective leader.

Many players don't have the ability to think about others while they are playing. It just doesn't come naturally to them. It doesn't mean they aren't good players - some of the best players I have coached are self-centered. They focus on their job and they do it well. They don't play selfish, and they can still have an impact on their teammates. They are just locked in on what they have to do, and they don't really think about anything else.

The player who is always talking practice, who knows all the plays from all five spots, who can captain the defense and continuously talk to the ball - to me, that's the guy who is the best natural leader. He's not just talking, he's talking because he's invested in his teammates and naturally interested in what they need to do. Not only that, he has the ability to do his job and think about the other guys on the floor. It's not that simple, and it's not easy for everyone. And it doesn't mean this guy is a great player. He's a great teammate, and a great leader, but not necessarily the best player.

When you are looking at leadership traits with your team or in recruiting, think about how curious a player is about those around them. You'll see clues on the court and off the court. The guy that has a natural interest in the people around him - and their feelings - that's the guy who can be a big-time leader for you.