Despite my best intentions, blogging has taken a back seat to the craziness of the spring season and some unfortunate weather. It seems that 5:30 AM is the only time I can find to write...
A few weeks ago at the Captaining Clinic, we talked a bit about how important it is to be your best self. This is something that I have struggled with a lot as a leader, and I think it is incredibly important because of its relevance to life outside of ultimate.
A few thoughts:
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
I mentioned this briefly in my last post, and I think it is worth bringing up again. I can be a better leader if I am honest with myself about what my strengths and weaknesses are. This allows me to maximize my contributions to the team by ensuring that I am utilizing my strengths. It also gives me areas to focus on as I train my weaknesses and strive to be a better leader.
Emulate, but don't compare.
Instead of comparing myself to other leaders, I should strive to pick out their best qualities and emulate them. Be your best YOU. Great leaders are not clones of each other. I need to love myself for the things I bring to my team, and appreciate others for the fact that they bring different things to the table.
Surround yourself with good people.
As a leader, I need to have a circle of people I can trust. I have been fortunate to not only have had amazing co-captains and coaches, but also talented and gracious rivals and friends. I am who I am and I strive to be better because of these people.
Value yourself.
This might be the hardest part of being your best self. As a leader, it is natural to take the blame for everything that goes wrong with a team. We want to be everything for our teams-- solve all of the problems, make everyone happy, win every game, create a successful program. We can do more of these things when we take time for ourselves and value our own mental, physical, and emotional health at least a tiny bit.
Be your best self... as a player, leader, and person. :)
A few weeks ago at the Captaining Clinic, we talked a bit about how important it is to be your best self. This is something that I have struggled with a lot as a leader, and I think it is incredibly important because of its relevance to life outside of ultimate.
A few thoughts:
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
I mentioned this briefly in my last post, and I think it is worth bringing up again. I can be a better leader if I am honest with myself about what my strengths and weaknesses are. This allows me to maximize my contributions to the team by ensuring that I am utilizing my strengths. It also gives me areas to focus on as I train my weaknesses and strive to be a better leader.
Emulate, but don't compare.
Instead of comparing myself to other leaders, I should strive to pick out their best qualities and emulate them. Be your best YOU. Great leaders are not clones of each other. I need to love myself for the things I bring to my team, and appreciate others for the fact that they bring different things to the table.
Surround yourself with good people.
As a leader, I need to have a circle of people I can trust. I have been fortunate to not only have had amazing co-captains and coaches, but also talented and gracious rivals and friends. I am who I am and I strive to be better because of these people.
Value yourself.
This might be the hardest part of being your best self. As a leader, it is natural to take the blame for everything that goes wrong with a team. We want to be everything for our teams-- solve all of the problems, make everyone happy, win every game, create a successful program. We can do more of these things when we take time for ourselves and value our own mental, physical, and emotional health at least a tiny bit.
Be your best self... as a player, leader, and person. :)
just wanted to say you are the bomb. i am always inspired by your writing! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you at Centex. Thank you for the positive impact YOU have had on my ultimate career. PQ4L.
ReplyDelete