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Writer's pictureNikhil Badkundri

How to be an effective leader

Updated: Apr 4

To be an effective leader, its not enough to just communicate, security plays huge role in being an effective leader.


Leadership has always been a vital aspect of human civilization. It exists in every domain of life, from politics to education, and from the workplace to sports. In the context of sports and performance, leadership is not only crucial for a team’s success but also sets the bar for individual players. A great leader can inspire, motivate, and guide players towards achieving their goals.

This blog discusses how to be an effective leader, with specific examples of leadership in sports and performance.

1. The first characteristic of effective leadership is creating a culture of trust

A good leader creates an environment that is supportive, inclusive and fosters a sense of teamwork. its anchored-on trust & the freedom of expression. Players should feel that when they turn to their leader for support and guidance whenever necessary - space will be held. Besides, a culture of trust encourages players to be themselves and enjoy the game, leading to better performance, motivation, team cohesion and morale.

An excellent example of this in sports is the coach of the New Zealand rugby team, Steve Hansen. He is well known for creating a culture of trust within his team, emphasizing that the players’ mental wellbeing and family life are just as important as their performance on the field. This approach has helped him to coach the team to several World Cup victories, and they are widely regarded as one of the most successful rugby teams in the world.

2. The second aspect of effective leadership is communication

Clear, precise communication is vital for a team to operate efficiently. As a leader, it is your responsibility to communicate the team’s goals, objectives, and strategies to your players. Good communication also involves actively listening to the ideas and concerns of your players and taking them into consideration in decision-making. This has only happen if the leader is communicating out of security.

One example of effective communication in sports is the captain of a football team. The captain is responsible for communicating the coach’s strategy to the players on the field and making sure that everyone is on the same page. An excellent example of this is Liverpool’s captain, Jordan Henderson. He is highly respected by his teammates and coaches for his exceptional communication skills, leadership qualities, and the way he connects with his teammates - none of this would be possible without him being secure as a human being.

3. The third characteristic of effective leadership is encouraging feedback

Rather than simply dictating what the team should do, a good leader listens to their players and takes their opinions and suggestions into account. Creating an environment in which feedback is encouraged builds trust between the leader and the team, leading to better relationships, communication, and ultimately better performance.

An excellent example of this in sports is the legendary basketball coach, Phil Jackson. He was known for his ‘Zen Master’ approach to coaching and encouraged his players to provide honest feedback about their performance, training, and strategy. His ability to create an environment of openness and respect helped him to successfully coach several championship teams, including Michael Jordan’s Bulls and Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s Lakers.

4. The fourth characteristic of an effective leader is to be a role model for your team or followers

As a leader in sports, it is essential to lead by example. Show your team that you are committed to the game and that you are willing to put in the hard work necessary to achieve success. Whether that means putting in extra training or staying late after practice, your team will appreciate your dedication and be inspired to follow your lead.

One of the best examples of leadership through being a role model in sports is Michael Jordan. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time and is also highly respected for his leadership skills. Jordan was extremely dedicated to his craft and would often be the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. His work ethic inspired his teammates to work just as hard, leading to his team winning six NBA championships.

5. Finally, effective leaders need to be willing and able to adapt to change

Sports are always evolving, and successful leaders need to be quick to adapt to new strategies, equipment, and rules. The best leaders are also willing to make changes to their own approach when necessary.

An example of adapting to change in sports is the coach of the United States men’s soccer team, Gregg Berhalter. He has been successful in implementing new tactics and changing the culture of the team, leading to better results on the field. Berhalter has also been willing to change his approach to coaching based on feedback from his players, creating a more inclusive and collaborative working environment. Change is the only constant.

# The Bottom Line


In conclusion, effective leadership is crucial in achieving success in sports and performance. It requires being a role model, effective communication, encouraging feedback, creating a culture of trust, and adapting to change. Being an excellent leader is all about creating an environment where players can thrive and achieve their full potential. By developing these leadership skills, coaches and athletes can create a winning team that is respected and admired for their excellence both on and off the field.


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