Leadership: A Team Sport
Presented by:
Jason A. Chapman ’03
March 26, 2007
What is a team?
A team is defined by Meriam-Webster as :a
number of persons associated together in
work or activity: a group on one side (as in
football or a debate)
For this presentation we will be using this
definition: a small number of people with
complementary skills who are committed to
a common purpose, performance goals, and
approach for which they hold themselves
mutually accountable.
Definitions of Leadership
Leadership is the ability to facilitate
action and guide change
Leadership is the process by which a
person influences others or directs
an organization
Leadership is inspiring others to
know, to do, or to be.
Quality Leadership is a team sport
Successful leaders realize they can’t do
it alone.
They create a shared vision
Teamwork can only be sustained when
leaders promote mutual reliance.
Successful leaders act as a coach
They enable others to act
They realize there will be bumps in the
road, but a team can overcome those
obstacles
You Can’t Do It Alone!
•Even those at the top of their
game know that they can not do
everything themselves
•Where would Michael Jordan be
if he didn’t have Scottie Pippen,
B.J. Armstrong, Will Perdue, Bill
Cartwright, Steve Kerr, and Phil
Jackson?
•Leadership is everyone’s
business
•In today’s fast-paced world, it is
almost impossible to get
everything done by yourself.
•As full-time students, this is
especially important
•Do not try be a Survivor
Creating a Shared Vision
Jack the Lazy Mule
Dreams do not become a reality
through the action of a single person
The team must be involved in
creating the vision
Shared Visions give work a purpose
A shared vision must be taught to
the entire team
Leaders invest time and energy to
engage all members
Creating a Shared Vision
The best example of a
shared vision is the
1980 U.S. Olympic
Hockey Team!
A Leader is a Good Coach
Leaders actively seek out
ways to increase choice,
providing greater
decision-making
authority and
responsibility.
They develop the
capabilities of their team
and foster selfconfidence through the
faith they demonstrate
in letting other people
lead.
Leaders help others
learn how to use their
skills and talents, as well
as learn from their
experiences.
Putting Together the Right Team
We all have weaknesses,
which is why we need each
other
To address weaknesses, a
good leader builds on
strength
A good team is one which
offsets each other’s
weaknesses
A good leader puts
together the right team,
and then let’s the play!
Enabling Others to Act
There will be no lone star, only a clump
of stars shining a bright light
Leaders make it possible for others to
do great work!
Leaders create a climate of trust
They create a sense of mutual
dependence
Great leaders foster accountability
They make people feel strong, capable,
and committed.
Leaders develop confidence in others
Winning It All!
If each player
executes his or her
assignment, we will
win!
A true leader
doesn’t just talk
team, but truly
believes it’s the
team’s energy and
ideas that make
things happen.
The Heart of the Game
“The secret to success in life is staying in
love.”
It’s hard to imagine leaders putting in the
long hours and hard work without having
their hearts in it.
The best kept secret of successful leaders
is staying in love: in love with leading, the
people who do the work, with what their
organizations produce, etc.
Leadership is NOT an affair of the head. It
is an affair of the heart!