10 Commandments of Leadership

I recently worked a camp with a man named Ryan Goodson. Ryan has created his own basketball development business called Goodson Basketball. He has a way of teaching the players new skills with catchy sayings and repetition. I will write more on some of those methods later but today I am writing about a lecture he gave the players about being a leader. If your child is in athletics, the band, student council, or any other hobby that requires leadership have them read this and post it somewhere visible so they are constantly reminded about what it takes to be a leader.

Be the first one in and the last one out. The example must be contagious because if there are no followers then it is just hard work.
Uplift those around you. Lead the team in high fives.
Communicate. Talk every 5-10 seconds…encourage, challenge, remind.
Say TWO positive statements for ONE negative statement.
Sell don’t tell. A leader does not make others do things but they make others WANT to do things. Leaders make the task look fun, rewarding, and attractive.
Remain positive. A leader’s emotions are a compass for the team. This is a responsibility and a sacrifice.
Motivate me. Being a leader is draining so it is important to spend 30 minutes a day motivating yourself.
People work before sport work. Massage teammates’ problems out of their system before the problem becomes an issue. Care about teammates as people before athletes.
Be worthy of being followed. A leader has the highest character on the team
***Everyday have a conversation with a different teammate. At the end of the conversation that person must know that 1) the leader believes in them and 2) the leader cares about them.

Ryan has worked with many teams in many different countries and he has created this list based on what he has seen in each teams’ leaders. Parents please help your children be accountable and help them become better leaders.

The students of today are the leaders of tomorrow.