Who Am I as a Leader?

If you visit the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, you’ll find a replica of former head coach Vince Lombardi’s office on display. The space is arranged as if Lombardi were still working there, complete with family photos displayed prominently on the credenza behind him. On the wall, plaques commemorate Lombardi’s achievements as a teacher during his formative years at Red Bank Catholic High School. Lombardi took immense pride in his teaching skills, which significantly shaped his leadership style.

Similarly, the University of Connecticut head basketball coach Dan Hurley takes pride in his teaching roots. Hurley often reflects on his time at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey, and how those experiences molded him into the elite college basketball coach he is today—a two-time men’s national champion. Hurley has credited teaching with helping him master the art of managing a classroom, starting at St. Anthony High School, where he taught health, physical education, sex education, and driver’s education, and continuing at St. Benedict’s, where he worked from 2001 to 2010.

At St. Benedict’s, Hurley’s responsibilities spanned far beyond teaching. He managed parent meetings, recruited talent from the inner city, and built a powerhouse basketball program. Former students describe Hurley as having an undeniable presence, a sharp sense of humor, and a unique swagger. Those early teaching days were instrumental in developing the leadership skills that define him today.

Both Hurley and Lombardi used their time as teachers to refine and expand their leadership philosophies. Too often, when coaches enter their fields, they focus on strategy, fundamentals, and technique but overlook a critical question: Who am I as a leader? Teaching, with its inherent challenges and opportunities, forces individuals to confront this question and prioritize their growth as leaders.

Determining who you want to be as a leader is a vital step in your journey. It requires introspection, clarity of values, and aligning your actions with your aspirations. Here are key steps to consider:

1. Self-Reflection and Core Values

Begin by reflecting on your past experiences, current challenges, and the leaders you admire. This introspection helps you define your core values and the qualities you aim to embody. Ask yourself:

• What leadership experiences have shaped me?

• What are my biggest leadership challenges?

• Who are my role models, and what do I admire about them?

2. Defining Your Leadership Compass

Use your reflections to create an “inner leadership compass” that guides your actions and decisions. This compass should reflect the type of leader you aspire to be. For example, you might aim to be a leader who:

• Earns respect while delivering meaningful results

• Demonstrates compassion and genuine care for others

• Supports team members without making assumptions

• Stands up for others and communicates effectively

3. Balancing Aspirations and Organizational Needs

Effective leadership is about finding harmony between your personal aspirations and the needs of your team and organization. Consider:

• How can I align my leadership style with organizational goals?

• Am I fostering a culture of trust, respect, and psychological safety?

• How can I prioritize mental health and well-being for my team?

Teaching at the high school level forces leaders to confront these foundational questions. Without clear answers, even the deepest knowledge of a game or field will fall short. Some may view Lombardi’s and Hurley’s teaching days as detours or delays in their careers, but in reality, the classroom was where they were forged into the extraordinary leaders they became.

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