Commanding an audience’s attention doesn’t come naturally for everyone. Natural leaders possess charisma, which automatically leads them into a path of respect and authority. Some people are born with natural gifts and talents, which can’t be duplicated, however, that doesn’t mean that leadership qualities can’t be taught and developed with non-leaders. Almost anyone can be an effective leader given the proper instruction. What makes a great leader doesn’t only rely upon their great courage and success, but also with how they respect, show loyalty/trust and value in their teammates. These traits are great qualities for a leader to gain respect and can be developed through proper guidance and encouragement, but being a true leader requires a disciplined, responsible and focused individual.
There are three areas to consider in leadership development: the interplay between a thought process, communication and taking action. Athletes must be trained to think like a good leader. Honestly evaluating themselves with the positives and negatives is crucial for developing their independence. They have to have a fairly clear idea of where they are going and being able to channel their focus on finding ways to get the job done. They need to be able to consider multiple perspectives before making a decision, needing to be decisive when the time comes as well with being able to move onto the next task.
Communicating well must be a prominent trait for a leader. Being able to articulate what they think and feel in an understandable format is important. They have to posses an authoritative and respectable demeanor that makes people want to listen to and rally around them. They don't have to be overly loud or vocal but they do have to be able to assert themselves in a manner that inspires, encourages and challenges.
Leadership requires the ability to act in a way that is consistent with one's thought process and words. The actions make it real. For example, an athlete can think work ethic and talk work ethic, but failure to demonstrate work ethic alienates potential followers. The leader's actions let other athletes know they're in this thing together and he/she is willing to do his/her share of the work.
Having been around the athletes at FAU, especially the football team, we have been encouraging the development of leadership traits through the “Iron Owl Challenge”. Enforcing the football players with proper attire, language, punctuality, and giving them the freedom to communicate to the coaches and each other their thought process is immensely targeted toward this task at hand.
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