In the May 9th edition of Sporting News, five of the best leaders in professional sports were profiled. What was fascinating was a common thread that existed in each. Read these comments and see if you can find it.
- “Entering his 16th season, Ray Lewis, 35, sets the tone for practices and has players come to his home during the week for additional film study.”
- “I’ve always tried to pattern myself after Steve Yzerman. He was a great leader by example. That’s one of the things I try to do as well is lead by example…Above all else, a leader must, it’s a few different things, lead by example is one of them.” – Detroit Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom
- “I love playing with Kevin Garnett because he is a leader by example.” – Boston Celtics Paul Pierce
- “You have to lead by example because you go out there playing every day – you might be sore, you might be hurt, but you’re going to play, you’re going to run balls out, you’re going to take out the guy at second to keep them from turning a double play, you’re going to battle always. That’s being a leader, and when they see that; they follow your lead.” – Angels OF Torii Hunter
- “Torii is great because he’s always a vocal guy and can lead by example.” – Angels 2B Howie Kendrick
The one thing every leader must do is lead by example.
Here are some very well-known leadership statements that communicate this core principle:
- Speed of the leader. Speed of the team.
- People do what people see.
- People are a picture of the leader.
- So goes the leader, so goes the people.
- You can’t take people where you are not willing to go yourself.
Leaders, you should be the composite picture of your team’s desired destination. Are you leading by example?
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