Thursday Loyola Leadership Academy Email

In honor of Throwback Thursday, here is a look at some of the basics with the Team Captain’s Leadership Model. Do you remember way back in the first chapter of The Team Captain’s Leadership Manual? Jeff Janssen lays out how you can break leadership down into two areas – Lead by Example and Vocal Leader. Leading by example, although tough at times, is really about pushing yourself. It is about your commitment, your confidence, your composure and your character. If you push yourself every day to be the best student-athlete you can be even when times are tough, you are leading by example. Leading by example is extremely important for the team to be successful. By setting the bar high in all areas - academically, athletically and socially – you are saying “I am a leader and I want my teammates to follow my example.” Leading by example can have a powerful impact on the team, especially when that team has most of the members “on board” or as Janssen says “committed or compelled!” Your leadership by example pushes members of your team who are compliant and existent. But this can only go so far and this is where Vocal Leadership kicks in. There are two types of vocal leaders – The Encourager and The Enforcer. Read the start of section 2 in the leadership manual pages 73-76, it will give you a really nice introduction to vocal leadership. Think about your team and make a list of teammates who are the encouragers and the enforcers. Both are vital to your team’s success. Now that you have that list, ask yourself another question – “How did these people become the vocal leaders on my team?” Many times it is people who are extroverted and outgoing who do not mind stepping out in front and communicating the team’s vision. Many times the vocal leaders are seniors on the team and this is great but this sometimes will stifle younger players who are worried about stepping on the toes of their older teammates. This is where communication is key – if you are an older member of the team try to nurture the younger players’ leadership – give them the opportunity to speak up too. If you are a younger member of the team, talk to the vocal leaders and see how you can be a part of the leadership team. Janssen says it best – “Remember your team must have one person who is willing to step outside of themselves to be a vocal Leader. Are you that person?” Thanks to Jeff Janssen and The Team Captain’s Leadership Manual. Pages 16, 73-76.