If You Only Lead by Example, You're a Poor Leader

If you only lead by example, you’re a poor leader.

Let us explain…

Now, leading by example IS an effective form of leadership. Because let’s face it.

Without the example, any commands you give won’t be heard. They’ll be unwanted & ignored. With a good example as the foundation, you’ll have more influence before you ever speak. And when you do open your mouth, your words will have an impact. They’ll be heard.

The problem is, too many players stop here. And never use their voice.

“…but coach, I’m not one of those noisy types.”

Well, if that’s you, you’re missing a big part of what lifts a team to a higher level. Great leaders don’t have the luxury of minding their own business. And ONLY leading by example is inadequate for those athletes trying to become truly great leaders.

There’s so many times — away from the field, during practices and games where your voice deeply impacts the performance of your teammates.

Here’s 4 examples:

1. Talk during dead ball time.
• What should you say?
• Remind someone to block out
• Check time & score
• Encourage a teammate
• Urge tougher defense

2. Celebrate your teammates publicly.

How to hype your teammate 101.

(Via @NCAAWBB) 👇

pic.twitter.com/Z1cvsiI1zv

— PGC Basketball (@PGCbasketball) November 5, 2021

…of course, this isn’t the only way.

Give meaningful celebrations after practice. Or a short piece of encouragement after a big shot. Or a quick “knock it down” as you make a pass to your teammate.

All are great ways to use your voice to lead.

3. How about transition defense?

Yes, it’s good you ran hard and were the first back. But then what?

Keep your mouth shut and miscommunications are inevitable. If you don’t use your voice to communicate useful information, you’ll give up easy points. And that’s your fault.

All are great ways to use your voice to lead.

4. And what about conflict?

And there will be conflict. Leaving the problem to “figure itself out” is a critical mistake. You can’t “hope” your way to a solution. You must have the courageous conversation to resolve the problem. The point is, great leaders don’t base their game on hope. They build it on habits. Habits of laser-like communication & brazen courage.

To become a great leader, constantly:

• sharpen your communication
• increase your encouragement
• tune in to and respond to…

…the situations & personalities around you.

Now, don’t get it twisted.

Real leadership isn’t yelling and telling. That’s a dictator. It’s connecting and directing. It’s encouraging, instructing, and involving yourself in the situation. It takes thought and sensitivity and character and effort. You have to listen, educate, and be patient. Sometimes, you have to struggle & strain. It takes your best efforts & much of the time, it’ll be frustrating & seem hopeless.

But the effort to be a true leader really does make a difference.

If you ever find yourself sitting back, assuming it’s not your job to lead because you weren’t elected caption,

…you’re wrong.

Can a basketball team have 12 leaders? You bet it can. To be champions, every player must be a leader — not a dictator — but an example setting, encouraging, instructing, involved team player. To be a true leader, yes you have to set an example. But as you just read, there’s way more to it than that.

There’s no question leadership is hard. But, I believe everyone has the capacity to grow in their leadership.

So what are you waiting for?

Go out there and lead!

(Adapted from Dick Devenzio)