How to Become a Better Leader

A good leader is one, whom people follow, even (and especially) when they don''t have to

It''s very tough to get there...

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I totally agree with the guidelines here. Being consistent in who you are provides self trust. I think good followers and other leaders gravitate to leaders who trust themselves; it's the foundation for a team/community bounded in honesty. It reminds me of a habit Abraham Lincoln deemed as an upmost important quality for a leader to have. Once you make a decision, don't ever change your mind or waiver at all. Thus, even when the outcome proves otherwise, the disciplinary strength and consistency will avail the certainty that negative habits like indecision are not tolerated. People invested in the greater good notice such things. Then of course, admitting fault should be the next course in action; obviously suggesting that the team will learn from your mistake. I also make it a point to apologize to anyone whose ideas were left out in the decision making process but proven to be right in the end(Should be done in front of the team and 1on 1).

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The 6 essential factors which are required for an effective youth coaching philosophy are; parents, coaches, excitement, selection, time, and success windows.

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One thing I have started telling my youth team (five and six year olds) at the beginning of our practices:

"You will be a better player and a better teammate after tonight''s practice."

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For me the one who leads is the one who builds. He is a builder. In our "no to smoking" advocacy through our free basketball clinics for kids, leadership is one part of the whole which we call "buildership." Thank you for this opportunity to share our views on leadership.

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Coaches, we appreciate the great thoughts & ideas!

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As usual Don's thoughts are timely and I appreciate them.
I see leaders in soccer and basketball that don't realize their influence. I encourage them to use their gift by showing a strong work ethic and never giving up.

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Your advice on leadership is greatly valued and needed in today's game. Please keep promoting this topic on your site.

Wisdom from Lou Holtz:
People (players) ask the same three questions about every individual:
1. Can I trust you?
2. Are you here for me or am I here for you?
3. Are you committed to excellence?

Coaches need to understand that each player is asking these same three questions. and each are asking from their individual perspectives. The coach that has the most positive answers to these questions will have the most success.

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HERE ONE THATS WORK FOR ME.
IN ORDER TO BE A GOOD LEADER
ONE MUST BE A GOOD FOLLOWER

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Your article is very "real world" correct with respect to leaders being born, but as revealed in one or two of the responses, a concept difficult to accept for some. While you can attempt to teach leadership skills, learning how to apply them effectively is the difference between educated "West Point grads" and those precious few "born to lead". The main reason military "leaders" appear effective is the punitive consequence for not "following". Real leaders do not impose punishment for not following orders, nor do they need a big stick with which to lead.

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Good little article, however I believe the opposite, and if you ever get the chance to visit West Point Military Academy, this is one of their mottos. Leaders are made not born, I agree most people have some characteristics that show leadership, some more than others, but someone has to teach you how to lead, there is a right and a wrong way. For example our team captains should be leaders on and off the floor, but as coaches we have to mentor and teach them every year what it means, how to act, and how to facilitate and gain respect of your team. In fact we have a specific event to help build leadership skills every summer for our captains.

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Within my experiences i have noticed the following:
1. Coaches need to be able to back up their words by actually being involved in the drills they preach, this helps the player to see that it is possible for the drill to be achieved and gives credibility as the coach can do the drills.
2. Leaders (namely coaches) need to have a structure when coaching and it needs to be communicated to the players. This enables the player to know what is going on and challenge themselves and the rest of the team to improve.
3. Communication is key for coaches as you need to talk TO the players not at them. I mean that the players need to understand why certain drills are done.
4. You need to have faith in the players, this enables them to believe that they can do it.

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I think a good leader should understand what the group want and that he should seek the way most appropriate for the group to reach the ''goal. So the group will understand that the leader is the right person and follow him.

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