Leadership and Character

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test his character, give him power.” All leadership positions come with a certain degree of power, but character, is displayed through the use of that power. Character, is the firm foundation upon which one must build to win respect. The respect that leaders must have requires that one’s ethics be without question. Therefore, no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on anything less. In the final analysis, how we are perceived communicates far more than what we say.

As parents, coaches and professionals, we are constantly being watched and evaluated. To provide the right example, we must stay above the line between right and wrong and stay well clear of the gray areas. By taking the higher road, and demonstrating the courage to do the right thing, people will follow. This will build others up, challenge, inspire and bring out the best in one’s athletes or employees, because no one will follow a hypocrite. So, look over your shoulder now and then to be sure someone’s following you. If they are, then you are leading in the right direction.

As Andrew Carnegie once said, “the older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.”

Sub or Specialist? A Matter of Preparation

In every sport and at every level, the role of specialization is taking on more significance. Players coming in at various points in a game invariably contribute to a team’s success as much as anyone. Consider the following roles in Baseball: Middle Relief, Setup Man, Closer, Pinch Hitter, Defensive Specialist, etc. Each of these roles is vital to a team’s success during the course of a long season. Therefore, having a strong bench, made up of skilled individuals who know their roles and are secure in them, is a must.

How does a player keep himself ready? By staying focused on the game and seeing every pitch. This will keep him connected and give him a feel for when he may be needed. Also, stretching, jogging or taking a few swings will help keep the body from tightening up and sends a positive message to the coach. Anyone can come off the bench as a sub, but it takes a disciplined person to accept that role while having the proper attitude of preparation.

Remember, “Great moments are born, from great opportunity”, but one must be ready to grasp it. The USA Olympic Hockey Team in 1980 defeated the Soviet Team in the first round of medal competition, not because they were more talented, but because they were prepared to pull off, “The Miracle”.

Advice on Playing Time

In most cases playing time is earned, long before the season officially begins. The making of those decisions, involves many early player evaluations. These evaluations usually continue throughout the season of sport to guard against: complacency, discontent and to provide competition. Just as the right to start has been earned over time, it is not likely to be lost in a moment. However, there usually comes a time when every coach begins to consider a lineup change, so be ready.

The keys to dealing with the lack of playing time are patience, hard work and a positive attitude. It also helps to set high goals and be the hardest worker on the team. While it is never easy to deal with a negative assessment of one’s ability, turn it to a positive by using that assessment as motivation. Do not mope or go through the motions. Prove you belong out there. Remember, people play their way both in and out of the lineup. Following this discipline on the field, will carry over into life and one day you will find yourself a successful leader whose work ethic will be rewarded and emulated. Hang in there and play the game you love.

Play Ball

As High School Baseball gets ready to begin across the country, many young athletes will begin to see visions and dream dreams. They will envision themselves in many different scenarios being productive and saving the day. I can remember playing “whiffle ball” in the front yard - pretending to be in the World Series with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 9th. Of course I delivered, and in our dreams we always do. So, dare to dream because every day someone accomplishes the impossible.

To accomplish those dreams athletes must be willing to set high standards and not be satisfied with anything other than their best effort. Remember, nothing worth while ever comes easy. Be focused, set goals, know what you want and act on it. Legendary Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz in his book “Winning Every Day” states: “you don’t have to be the most talented person to be successful, but you do need to get the most out of your talent”. Coach Holtz understood this from personal experience and is an example of overcoming obstacles in the highly competitive field of Division I Football.

The obstacles to accomplishing our dreams Holtz states are: complacency, lack of confidence, listening to negative assessments and pressure. Preparation dispels these obstacles and builds confidence. Only those who do not prepare feel pressure. Therefore, make a commitment to excellence, give 100% effort 100% of the time and you will see your dreams come true. Have a great year.

The Student Athlete

Being successful both in the classroom and on the field requires: discipline, sacrifice and hard work. These qualities are very familiar to athletes, who compete for their positions every day. However, athletes must also perform in the classroom, to be eligible on the field. All too often I've seen kids become over scheduled and over loaded to the point that it affects their academic standing and their opportunity to compete.

There is a reason why the word "student", comes first in the phrase, "student athlete". The discipline of being a student comes before the opportunity to play. Therefore, we (parents, teachers and coaches) have a concurrent responsibility to provide an environment where our student athletes can be successful in the classroom, so they can compete on the field.
Remember, both athletic and academic demands will intensify at the next level.

Here are a few suggestions.
1) Develop a time management schedule
2) Set Priorties, Goals and Rewards
3) Do regular grade checks
4) Provide extra help/time
5) Provide encouragment/confidence
6) Maintain a balance in all activities