Are you a leader? Alonzo Highsmith is. He was an All-American running back for the University of Miami in the 1980s. Highsmith was the third overall pick to the Houston Oilers in the 1987 NFL Draft and played in the league for six seasons. Currently, he is the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Cleveland Browns.
Recently, he was interviewed about the current state of football at his alma mater. A link is provided for you in the tweet below to read it if you would like. The Hurricanes are trying to get their “swag” back. I agree with the great writer Bruce Feldman who stated Highsmith may have provided the best leadership quote we have read in some time. Check it out and then let’s break down his thoughts. You can easily replace the word “swag” with “leadership.”
The great @alonzohighsmith explaining “swag” might be the best football quote I’ve heard in years 👇 https://t.co/RlhqfmcnZE pic.twitter.com/6Z5w2Ui1Je
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) May 17, 2019
Highsmith makes some interesting observations. First, he tells us 20 things swag/leadership is.
- Leadership is memorable. People remember your name. Michael Irvin’s practice habits are still talked about 30 years later.
- Leadership is not easy.
- Leadership is being willing to do what others are not willing to do.
- Leadership is hard work.
- Leadership is doing extra, more than expected.
- Leadership is doing things you don’t have to be asked to do.
- Leadership is getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
- Leadership is sweat.
- Leadership is uphill. Leadership is not coasting downhill.
- Leadership is what you do after you have already learned it all and done it all.
- Leadership is being willing to endure pain.
- Leadership is building a team.
- Leadership is getting others to work hard, do extra, sweat, go uphill, and be uncomfortable.
- Leadership is always showing up.
- Leadership is being dependable.
- Leadership is always being available.
- Leadership is practicing like you will play.
- Leadership is always having a sense of urgency.
- Leadership is an attitude.
- Leadership is earned.
But Highsmith also tells us 3 things swag/leadership isn’t.
- Leadership is not how you look. Christine Caine once said, “Skinny jeans and tattoos doesn’t make you a leader.”
- Leadership is not self-proclaimed. If you have to pound your chest and tell people you are the leader, you are not.
- Leadership cannot be bestowed upon you by others. Leadership is not positional. Leadership is influence.
After reading these 20 items, I have one question for you – are you a leader?
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