What Type of Leader Are You?

In a recent trip to get my oil and filter changed, I stumbled upon a very interesting article in Inc. Magazine.  The title, "13 Ways of Looking at a Leader," really made me begin to examine my leadership styles and characteristics.  Not only did it make me embark on a self-examination session right in the middle of the auto shop, but I began to think about other coaches, teachers, and management professionals who have influenced and affected my coaching style and abilities.  Before I get started, realize that if you are reading this blog post, you most likely are in a position of leadership.  I imagine that you are a female strength and conditioning coach such as myself, and whether you want to admit it or not, you are in a position of leadership.  You and I have the amazing and gratifying ability to influence young people, to expose them to certain types of leadership characteristics and situations through strength training, off-seaon conditioning and mental toughness exercises.  Because we are in this position as coaches, we have a responsibility to maximize our development as leaders so we can serve as positive mentors and effective role models to our student athletes.  By taking advantage of opportunities to become better leaders and harnessing those leadership skills, we can show our athletes through practical application what it means to motivate our peers, set positive examples, and influence others to succeed. 

The following post will look at those 6 out of the 13 Leadership Characteristics as mentioned in the title, and I challenge you to take a moment and really examine your coaching style.  Look at your strengths.  Investigate your areas of improvement.  Do you fit any of these traits or do you fit outside the box?  Either way, by knowing more of who you are and understanding how you lead others, you can best equip yourself moving forward to become a better leader. 

• Adaptive Leaders - rise above, adapt, help.  You always surge above the noise and distractions, make adjustments and then assist others in tackling issues and problems without sacrificing trust or values.

• Emotionally Intelligent Leaders - awareness and influence.  You are very aware of others, their communication styles, and emotional states; therefore you are highly influential.

• Charismatic - character.  You are a rare breed and often seen as heroic and highly motivational.  Being a charismatic leader is tough to teach because your leadership style is derived from your own personality and make up.

• Authentic - consistent and disciplined.  Your integrity and character give you the opportunity to have longevity as a leader.

• Level 5 - gives credit, takes the blame, and is selfless.  You are very driven, pursue goals with passion and put others and your cause above your own success.

• Mindful - notice, analyze and listen.  You do not assume or accept things as they are because that is the way they have always been. Instead you question and pay close attention to what is happening around you.

I hope that through this post, you were able to identify certain characteristics that make you a great leader.  Perhaps you also discovered other traits that could help you in your quest to improve your leadership skills.  Or even still, identified qualities that your student athletes possess and began to think about how you can help them use their strengths to become better leaders. In the next installment, I will identify the other 7 leadership styles. 

Lead on,

Callye