In the June 21st edition of The Sporting News, Mike Decourcy writes an interesting article discussing the leadership qualities of the Duke Blue Devils basketball team captain and Most Outstanding Player in this year’s Final Four, Kyle Singler.  Duke has a well-known leadership culture and head coach Mike Krzyzewski has written four books on the subject.

In that context, the following are the leadership qualities attributed to this rising senior.

  1. He Is Part Of A Leadership Culture – Singler has studied under previous team captains DeMarcus Nelson, Greg Paulus, Jon Scheyer, and Lance Thomas.
  2. He Is Under Authority – Because Singler has stayed all four years, he has specifically learned organization and preparation from Coach K.  To effectively be in authority, you must first learn to be under authority.
  3. He Is A Continual Learner – The main reason he returned to Duke was “to become a better leader and a dominant player voice.”  Leaders are readers.  Leaders are learners. For a profile of continual learning, go to http://wp.me/pVReH-L.
  4. He Is Sacrificial – Because of Duke’s lack of size as a team, Singler played his first two seasons out of his natural small forward position.  Great leaders put team success over their personal desires.  For a look at the alternative of this type of leadership, read http://wp.me/pVReH-G.
  5. He Is Low-Maintenance – Assistant Coach Chris Collins points out that Singler constantly does what he’s asked.  Leader, are you a self-starter?  Are you insecure? Are you constantly rebellious? Are you part of the solution or part of the problem?
  6. He Is Loyal – Being loyal does not make you a leader.  However, being disloyal disqualifies you as one. 
  7. He Is Never Satisfied – This is very close to being a continual learner.  However, leaders understand that what made you successful today will not make you successful tomorrow.  To understand the dangers of complacency, read http://wp.me/pVReH-W.

With leaders like Singler and Nolan Smith on next year’s team, Duke is the early favorite to repeat as the 2011 national champion.  I’m not betting against them.  Leaders, does your  team possess the characteristics displayed by Kyle Singler?  If not, what are your chances for success in the next year?  Would I be betting on you?

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