Leading During Transitions
A few years ago I had the extraordinary opportunity lead a group of young men as they competed at the NAIA National Wrestling Championships. The interesting part of that tournament and experience was just two months prior I wasn't even an official part of the coaching staff yet here I was, the Interim-Head Coach for Cumberland University, as we had six young men attempting to claim All-American honors. As a former collegiate wrestler this was a chance of a lifetime, to lead a team through the pinnacle of their season.
http://www.gocumberlandathletics.com/wrestling/news/2011-12/1916/four-grapplers-win-opening-matches/
Often in sport, and life, we're asked to step in as leader with short notice. As a sport psychology consultant with a background in wrestling my primary focus when I took over the team was to be a principle-centered leader. The was fragmented with wrestlers at odds with one another, frustrated with administration, and many outright refused to listen to authority during competition. The principles I tried to instill in the young men included: (1) accountability for your own work ethic, (2) respect for self and opponents, and (3) sacrifice for team and school. This was not an easy task; however, I managed to the best of my ability because in all of my interactions with the team during those last couple of months of the season and until a new coach was hired I always tried to lead with these principles in mind.
Should you find yourself in a position where you're asked to lead on short notice how will you proceed? What will you do? How will you gain the respect and trust of those you lead? From experience I suggest you sit down, put pen to paper, and decide early on the principles you want to align with. Once you do so your actions will follow suit and if done consistently you'll garner the respect and trust of those you lead.
