Today we look at specifics that make a graet leader. Coach Akenberger is as great a leader as there is. He is a great mentor for men and women and shares some insight that will get you better.
What makes a successful leader has been one of the most researched and documented topics in all of sports. Every year administrators, sport coaches, strength coaches and athletes are looking for individuals that have the “it” factor that makes a successful leader. The problem is the “it” factor is comprised of a multitude of skills that are hard to find on a resume. The skills I am talking about are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. These are skills that, just like someone’s knowledge base, can be improved with practice and awareness. I am going to break these five skills down to what they encompass. Ask yourself are you teaching your athletes and staff ways to improve on them or are you just telling them to be a leader with no direction?
1. Self-Awareness
a. Understanding your own values, strengths, weaknesses, and impact on others. It is an internal reflection on how well you know yourself.
2. Self-Regulation
a. Consistency in your emotions. Are you the same person everyday no matter how you feel? This includes your body language and how you talk. Your athletes will follow your lead, and if you are inconsistent with your emotions they will be too.
3. Motivation
a. Not driven by external factors such as ego, title, and money but internally driven for the love of teaching and developing young adults.
4. Empathy
a. Understanding other individuals’ points of view and emotions. Are you able to read body language and emotions so you can maximize everyone around you?
5. Social Skills
a. Able to find common ground to steer athletes and teams in the right direction.
Zach Akenberger
Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning
University of Florida