Leadership

        All sports teams have a leader or more than likely, a few leaders.  Sometimes they can be blatantly obvious, for instance, Ray Lewis, the recently retired Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker for the last 17 years.  Unless completely sheltered from the sports world, which seems unlikely in our current time of mass media over-saturation, the average citizen has come across the famous pre-game dance performed by Lewis for the past decade and a half.  He would stomp, flex, scream and yell to help inspire his team and ignite the fans. This often would be followed by a heartfelt and spiritually driven speech to prepare for the game. Every Ravens player has expected that to happen. That's what their leader did for them. Conversely, there have been leaders known for their relatively reserved demeanor. Kevin Durant, of the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA team has been heavily criticized for his calm and collected persona. But rarely do any players or coaches attach negative connotation or imply ineffectiveness when dealing with this kind of leadership.  What it takes to be a leader isn't necessarily exact.  Being a leader depends much more on those being lead.  Because of the broad range of qualities and personal traits that a successful leader might encompass, it's not surprising the LVC Men's lacrosse team has their own ideas of what it is to be a leader.
     Six Dutchmen lacrosse players told me what they feel is the most important quality of a leader.  Zane Brown, a freshman defenseman, said "[a leader has] the ability to talk, but also listen and use that feedback to become a better leader." He's describing a kind of leader that values much of the opinions of those he is leading. A very democratic answer really, and probably a trait not commonly addressed. Andrew Kruter, a junior defenseman and one of the four captains of the Dutchmen lacrosse team, describes a similar "leader for the people" when he says dedication is the most important quality, "a leader is dedicated to whatever the team needs you to do. Whether you have to step up in certain game situations, or simply  bring a teammate up when they are down on themselves." Andrew believes a leader can sense their role and apply their skills accordingly.  Mike Hull, a senior defenseman, says a captain has composure and knows how to handle himself on the field. Alex Beard, a junior attackmen, interestingly, feels that humility is the most important trait.
     The previous four answers all share a similar trait. They all come from this idea that a captain remains more deeply engrained within those rather than sitting above them. The last two answers, however, do not follow that same assumption.  Bryan Cooney, a junior Midfielder, feels that the most important quality a leader can have his confidence, "if a he [the leader] isn't confident in himself, how can his team be confident in him?" Which is a good question. A leader that lacks confidence in himself, more than likely projects that lack of confidence to his group. This quality doesn't retain that "aligned alongside" feeling of a leader. The leader Brian describes sits above and his confidence in himself fuels the confidence for those following.  Jordan Mayr, another junior midfielder, feels a leader has that "killer instinct" and leads by that example. Jordan's leader demands of his followers the same hard work and determination that he exemplifies and isn't afraid to "get after" a teammate and demand the same.
     It's always interesting to hear the different opinions of the most important qualities of leaders. It just seems to be natural that in so many situations humans fall into categories, leaving some to be leaders and others to be followers.  It's a bit more complicated than just those two, but overall people have roles.
     My ideal leader knows his followers, and knows what they expect from him.   He's someone who's expectations of his followers are no less than those of himself. He understands the delicate balance between what they want and need. Sometimes, tough love is necessary. Other times, maybe it could be ineffective. Either way a quality leader believes in his motives and stands by his convictions and responsibilities as a leader.  The most important quality my leader expresses, is certainty.