What Kind of Leadership Do You Want to Cultivate?

Having been a high performance athlete for 15 years and in my career for the past 20, I’ve experienced my fair share of – and heard so many stories about – people in leadership roles.

Here’s the general tally:

Many just-fine leaders, the “clock-in-clock-out” kind who don’t necessarily feel helpful, but neither are they overtly hurtful. You won’t be best friends, but you don’t mind sitting at the occasional lunch event with them.

One too many toxic leaders, the kind that strike personal chords and can break your spirit. They get too much airtime, making for good “tea,” but cause a ripple effect of division, anger, and stress.

And few incredible leaders, the kind that inspire you to evolve and grow your life in the best way(s) possible.

More feedback about incredible leaders include:

• They were on the frontline for some time before they rose up the ranks.
• They did, and continue to do, the personal work and growth within themselves in order to be able to efficiently and effectively handle the multilayered pressures of being in a position of power.
• They recognize that frontline performers do the heavy lift that brings income and reputation to the organization, as a whole.
• They want to see their performers develop and achieve great things not only as professionals, but in their personal lives, as well.
• They model what work-life balance means, and respect that performers have personal lives outside of work that also need their attention and care.
• They invest in, promote, and celebrate performers.
• They support the physical, emotional, and mental recovery processes of performers who are injured or ill.
• They ensure an optimally safe and supportive environment for all.
• They take the time to develop their team, program, services, and products instead of pushing for profit and “glory.”

Reflection time:

For performers:

• Who comes to mind as you read this?
• What kind of leader do you have: just-fine, toxic, or incredible?
• What are you learning from your current leader(s)?
• How do you collaborate with your leader(s)?
• What do you need or want from your leader(s)?
• Who has been your favorite leader so far? What makes them your favorite?
• Do you want to rise the leadership ranks? How can you be a good leader where you are at today?

For leaders:

• Who comes to mind as you read this?
• Who do you want your legacy to be?
• Be honest with yourself, how do you imagine your team sees you right now?
• Who is your role model?
• Who or what is your leadership inspiration?
• What is your mission?
• What do you need in order to improve?
• What do you need to say “no” to?
• What do you need to say “yes” to?

There are all kinds of leadership levels: team player, team captain, coach, owner, director, etc. Each level a necessity in the health of an organization.

What kind of leadership do you want to have? What do you need to do to establish that goal?

If you want to explore and understand your answers to these questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

All the best,

Laura

Note: This and every Athlete Illuminated post is for educational purposes only and not a replacement for mental health treatment. If you are in urgent need of mental health support, please call 9-8-8. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. For ongoing mental health concerns, consider seeking professional support or therapy.