Beyond Skill: What does leadership mean to you?

You’ve heard the word “leadership” countless times as an athlete, but what does it truly mean? Is it about being the loudest voice in the huddle? Being the best player? Is it something you’re born with? Is it about being in charge? These are the questions many athletes grapple with. While skill and talent are undoubtedly important, true leadership on a team isn’t about being the most skilled player or holding a specific position; it’s a daily choice to positively impact your teammates through consistent example, genuine encouragement, and infectious energy. It’s about the conscious decision to lift up those around you, regardless of your role on the team. So, I ask you: Beyond Skill, what does leadership mean to you?

Growing up playing club volleyball, I used to think the best player on the team was automatically the leader. I thought skill equaled leadership. But as I’ve got older and gained experience, I realized I was totally wrong. Leadership isn’t about volleyball skill at all. It’s a choice.

Everyone on a team, no matter their position or how good they are, has the potential to be a great leader. It’s a skill you develop, just like any skill you work on in sports. It’s a choice you make daily to be a better player and teammate. Simon Sinek nailed it: “Leadership is not a rank or a position, it is a choice, a choice to look after the person to the left of us & to the right of us.”

There are tons of opinions on what makes a great leader. I don’t have all the answers, but from my experience, if you focus on these three qualities, you’ll be well on your way to being a great leader—or at least a great teammate everyone will want to play with.

The 3 E’s of Leadership: Example, Exhortation, and Energy.

1) Lead By Example: This is huge. A leader shows up consistently, no matter what. Bad night’s sleep? Tough practice yesterday? Doesn’t matter. They bring the right attitude, work ethic, and respect for their teammates and coaches. They understand their strengths and weaknesses and are humble enough to learn and grow every single day.

I am reminded of when Jesus warned the crowd and the disciples to be aware of the Pharisees. “But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” They were so busy preaching to others about following the religious laws of that day, but meanwhile they weren’t following it themselves? ” Jesus calls them “Hypocrites!”

Leading is a great responsibility and comes with great discipline. No leader is perfect but if you tell your team to work hard, do you work hard? If you expect your teammates to be punctual, are you punctual? Are you showing up every day to training, weights, team events, leading by example and doing what you preach? 

2) Exhortation (Encouragement): A good leader is confident in their own abilities, which allows them to focus on their teammates. They recognize others’ strengths and push them to be their best. They “champion” their teammates, motivating and inspiring them.

Honestly, this is hard. It’s easy to just show up, work hard, do your job, and go home. What’s not easy is looking beyond yourself and figuring out how to lift up your teammates, how to motivate them toward the team goal every single day. For Phillipians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” We naturally look after ourselves, but leaders are able to prioritize the interests of others above their own. 

3) Energy: Great leaders bring great energy. I think of it as: Attitude + Effort = Energy. We’ve all been in huddles where someone yells, “Come on, we need more energy!” But real energy isn’t just loud enthusiasm. It’s the consistent commitment to improvement and the positive impact you have on those around you. When you bring your best effort and attitude—regardless of your skill level or position—you’ll be a player full of energy, a teammate everyone wants to play with. If you’re missing either attitude or effort (or both), you’re probably draining energy from your team. You either bring energy or you suck it away. It’s a choice you make every drill, every practice, every game.

So, think about Example, Exhortation, and Energy. Do you have all three? Can you lead by example? Can you see the potential in others and champion them? Can you bring consistent positive energy to your team?

It can be tough to change our mindset about leadership. As you step on the court with your teams, I hope you can take these three ideas with you. Leadership is a skill we develop and a choice we make. No matter the position or status on your team, you can be a leader. Anyone can lead by example, encourage teammates, and bring positive energy. “Leadership is the awesome responsibility to see those around us, rise.” 

Sports presents us with some of the best opportunities to grow as leaders if we choose to press into the three E’s! I believe at some point in your life you will be called on to lead –whether it’s on your team, at work, or even in your family. Remember, it’s not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of the people in your charge. (Simon Sinek)