The Daily Grind: The best leadership happens by setting a good example

When the tough gets going during the season, a coach will look for someone to step up and help guide the team.

We’ve finally hit the edge of the basketball season, and I cannot believe it’s almost over. Some teams have already exited the postseason, while the rest are looking to keep their season alive. As some of you continue the path of bringing home a state title, there will be a crucial moment when leadership is needed the most.

These past few months have been busy with wrestling, swimming and covering multiple basketball games. Everything sort of feels like a blur, but I’ve enjoyed every minute. Throughout the school year, I’ve talked to many coaches, and there’s one thing that was very clear to me: a lot of coaches are looking for the same thing — a leader for their team.

I feel when people hear the word leadership, they automatically think about the pressure of being the one who has to keep things in order, which is somewhat true. A leader’s three primary responsibilities are to inspire, communicate and bring people together. As student-athletes, I’m sure you’ve heard your coach stress the importance of having a leader on the team and searching for a player who will step up.

At that moment, athletes will look down the line, waiting for someone else to take the job, and it’s a habit that must be broken. I encourage you all to be the leader on and away from sports. If you love to compete and win, having a strong leader can take a team to new heights. Leadership is about setting the standard for each player’s approach to the game.

Though the coach is in charge of running the show, it’s the captain who runs the team and keeps the players on track. Team members are inspired by leaders who set high standards and expectations, bringing them together to realize the vision. It’s important to lead by example. Show up to practice early and work, perform well in the classroom and be able to hold teammates accountable.

If you set the example and are the authority on your team, your teammates will follow your lead. Encourage them to improve daily, and you’ll see your team flourish.

Leadership is not for the weak. Some days will be harder than others, and the leader or captain will be slightly responsible for correcting the problem when things go wrong. It takes a strong person to hold the position, but if the main goal is to help your team achieve greatness, you will withstand all that comes with it.

Kobe Bryant once said, “Leadership is lonely — If you are going to be a leader, you are not going to please everybody. You have to hold people accountable, even if you have that moment of being uncomfortable.”

While a few of you gear up to play some of the biggest games in your high school career, remember to have fun. Don’t let the moment get so big that it takes you out of character. It’s simple to become distracted in the heat of the moment, but remember that your teammates are watching your body language and how you respond to adversity. Play smart, be patient and most of all, be a leader.

I wish you all the best of luck as you continue to maneuver your way to success as a student-athlete, and remember, nothing in this world can stop you from achieving greatness if you stick to the daily grind.

D’Courtland Christian is the sports editor of the Daily American Republic. Contact him at dchristian@darnews.com.