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.”

Pressure to Play

Playing outside the season of sport in High School athletics has become expected. So much so, that if you do not, your commitment is questioned. With the recent change in the association rule, the demand by high school programs of their athletes is now coming into conflict with healthy activities not a part of athletics. When a family has to choose between spending time together on a holiday weekend or attending some required off season activity, this is evidence that the writers of the association rule were miles ahead of their time. Add to this, Club coaches wanting a piece of the student athletes' time and making their desires known, this produces an interesting tug of war in which neither side may win and the athlete will certainly lose.

I can remember as a student athlete looking forward to opening day. The long awaited time had finally come and there was this unmistakable excitement in the air. It truly was a Big Deal. Now, with year round play and the controlled structure of 6 days a week summer, fall and winter; by the time spring gets here, opening day is just another day.

There is a line between being prepared and being over worked and that line can be the difference between your team's success or failure down the stretch.

A-Rod Admits Using Performance-Enhancers

NEW YORK (AP)—Alex Rodriguez admitted Monday that he used performance-enhancing drugs from 2001-03, saying he did so because of the pressures of being baseball’s highest-paid player. In a recent interview with Peter Gammons Rodriquez said, "Back then, it was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young, I was stupid, I was naive. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was worth being one of the greatest players of all-time. I did take a banned substance, and for that I'm very sorry. I'm deeply regretful."

Scott Boras told Fox Sports on Saturday that even if the SI report is accurate, "It was one season, and since then, Alex has gotten the 'Good Housekeeping' seal the last five years by passing baseball's drug tests."

While I respect his honesty, (more than can be said for other players) many questions remain. Where did he get the steroids? What did he put into his body? Can he rehabilitate himself? How will this effect his legacy? How are Yankee fans going to treat him? Can he focus on Baseball? Alex Rodriguez is a great talent, one of Baseball's best in this era or any other. But now, he may be a superior talent with public doubt attached, with the asterisk of steroid use next to his name.

If pressure existed with the Rangers in 2001-2003, how much more will there be to preform in New York with a $275 million dollar contract for the next nine years with everyone watching?

Player Development

Coaching involves many different aspects related to the team, its players and the game. Without a doubt the most valuable legacy any coach can give to each of his players is their development. Developing a players confidence, skill level, knowledge and performance, is the trade mark of a good coach.

The elite coaches take pride in player development which is often reveled by their preparation for obstacles before they happen. Therefore, when they do occur, the work has already been done and the players are ready to perform. These coaches understand the importance of developing each member of a team for the long run. As, "Iron sharpens iron," so player development improves the team and keeps each member sharp.

Joe Paterno stated, "The desire to win is important but the will to prepare is vital." The difference between winning and losing is not about good players, teams lose with good players. What it takes to win are interested players, committed to work for coaches who are committed to their development.

The final testament of player development is in the conviction and will of the team to carry on as changes occur. How well any team improves speaks volumes about player development.A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are. - Ara Parasheghian,