The 6 Traits Leaders of Any Style Must Have

We all want to put a fast label on something. We label players when scouting their talents, we label people, and most of all, we label coaches/leaders. Everyone wants to break down a leader into categories, so when they search for a new one, they search for what they crave the same way they would a new car — picking the one that fits their needs at the moment.

During an interview for a coaching position, for example, the person conducting the interview might ask, “What kind of coach are you? A players’ coach? A disciplinarian? Or something in between?” But what does that all mean?

What is a players’ coach? Does anyone really know? Is it someone who caters to the wants and needs of those he/she leads? Is it someone who identifies with the team? What makes someone a players’ coach? Does a players’ coach provide more latitude to their players, trusting them to discipline and police themselves? Does a players’ coach create an environment where players are free to be themselves at all times? Is giving the players what they want leadership?

What makes up disciplinarian coach? Is this someone who does not bend an inch, does not listen to his players and loses his/her temper often? Does a disciplinarian rule with fear? Do they make everyone feel uncomfortable? Does that sound like someone you want to hire?

And what makes up someone who is not considered a players coach or a disciplinarian? Does this person rule with some fear, but is still in touch with his/her core group? Does this person blend the best of both a discipline and a players coach?

The point here is there are no labels when it comes to leading. Leadership is doing the right thing at the right time. And because things often change, how can one style support every situation? When we listen to our players too much, we tend to take the path of least resistance. How often have you read a players’ coach was removed because they never held the players accountable? How often have you read a disciplinarian coach had to be removed because everyone hated his/her style? And the one in the middle was not challenging enough or got too harsh when shown the door.

How you develop these six traits in your leadership style is solely dependent on your personality. You must be authentic, but you must do these six every single day.

1. Push the players when they need pushing.

2. Comfort the players when they need comforting.

3. Calm the player when they need calming.

4. Recognize the players when they do well — let them take the credit.

5. Instruct the players when they do poorly — don't fear confrontation.

6. Stand with them in tough times — don't abandon.

No labels required.

Please forward and share this email with your friends and family.