Written by Toughness and camaraderie in Sport Team Culture comes down to whether one is either “The Leader,” “The Soldier,” or “The Supporter.” Everyone plays a role. Leaders, soldiers, and supporters – they all create “The Team.” No-one can truly thrive without the other executing their job. These roles stem from the human psyche; we naturally fit in to them, however, the big picture of a team is that sometimes we need to step up and fulfill the other’s role when necessary … every part of the team knows with undeniable certainty that if you lean on them, they can lean back when they need to.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have experienced this type of Sport Culture as a member of a beautiful team, and that sort of camaraderie deserves recognition that sticks with a person for life. You completely trust one another to fulfill their role, and then you’re no longer individuals, you’re one entity, you help your friends … that’s a true team.
It’s a lifestyle, and if my readers think about it, it doesn’t just apply to athletics – it applies to life in general. Sometimes we all need some help. That’s the idea. It’s just … so dang cool to have been a part of anything like that. ( Frankly I know, this article is kind of self-serving, but please empathize)
Today, I focused on the leader. A leader can be a Coach, a Captain of a team, or even a fan in the stands. (The Soldier and The Supporter are coming in subsequent articles, be assured)
The Leader: A true leader cares for his teammates, directs them, instructs them, but doesn’t command respect – such respect is earned through sheer motivation, and their team / individual athlete believes in them. But most of all, a real leader will always admit their mistakes. A leader learns from such mistakes, makes changes for the athlete, and tries to breed success.
A leader boosts athletes to excel at his or her own expense, they make a beautiful sacrifice. A leader motivates athletes to become true teammates and be better both individually and as a team. A leader knows how to give a second chance (or third … I’ve had like 20) after you’ve screwed up a workout. A leader guides athletes, figures out what they need, and motivates them.
My leaders have all been incredible. Not only would I not have understood athletics without them, I never would have understood life without them. Thank you. Bob Boland, Jeremy Piasecki, Mike Stark, Zack McBride, Russ Peterson, Steven Manz, Thomas Chorny, Robert “Bob” Costello, Gerry Pegg, Irwin Brambley (not to mention my entire family, especially my dearest, my brother) Nathaniel “San” Hensh.
Folks, leaders are also mentors, and they create a fierce (I choked up a little writing this portion) … such a fierce idea of what it means to be a coach and represent what Sport Culture is – leaders expand the aforementioned family. Think about it … they take the time to listen to different situations with dozens of athletes every day. As a former athlete and coach, I understand this, and it’s an honor and privilege to write about it.
The bottom line is this, a leader doesn’t allow him/herself to become corrupted, a leader sticks to their morals of hard work, friendship, and consistently doing the right thing for the athlete to make them better. Guys and gals, you could do nothing better than telling an athlete tonight, “You can do this.” For that matter, find a family member or friend in need and tell them too.
We all serve a role and a purpose. (I think this has become my life motto … maybe?) I don’t shine if you don’t shine. That’s a leadership mentality in sports.
As always, from my Leaders and I, Cheers to Sport.
Featured above from left to right: Trevor Merkosky, Jacob Hensh, and Jesse Laverdiere (First squad in history to not lose a point in the Pole Vault Fayette County Championships)