By: Grace Kertz
5 Leadership Qualities Even NARPS Can Understand
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via https://www.pexels.com/photo/basketball-team-stacking-hands-together-3755440/
Are you a NARP?
Did you ever try out for a sport and decide it wasn’t for you?
Maybe you like sitting in the stands, cheering on your team rather than playing yourself.
Well, I hate to break it to you– these are all symptoms of being a NARP, AKA a “Non-Athletic Regular Person.”
As an athlete you gain important experience as a leader without even trying, it kinda falls into your lap. You are surrounded by like minded people that all share the same goal. They just so happen to also chug copious amounts of Gatorade and thrive off of competition. It’s something you never forget.
Don’t count yourself out, though. Just because you may not be able to sprint down the sideline like the star goal scorer, that doesn’t mean you don’t have what it takes to become a leader. Here are five leadership qualities that you can develop on the field to become a successful leader on and off the field!
1. ​Communication: The Real MVP of the Game
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Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva via https://www.pexels.com/photo/athletes-sitting-on-grass-9519506/
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No matter where you are, or where you go, communication is key. It stops you from showing up in the wrong game kit over and over despite your coach texting it in the GroupMe.
A leader knows how to get their message across, regardless of where they are.
Communication is more than just talking - it involves actively listening to others, understanding their perspectives, and responding in a clear and concise manner. It is vital that you establish trust between you and whoever you’re communicating with, including coworkers, friends, family, and– yes – teammates. If done correctly, it will open lines of communication that were previously inaccessible.
Whether it be with regular check-ins, team meetings, or informal conversations, regularly checking in with your teammates makes all the difference.
When communicating with others, it is also important to be aware of your tone and body language. If your arms are crossed and you’re rolling your eyes, you can expect the same to be done right back to you. Other times, this body language will shut down any chance you had with that person to openly communicate. By practicing active listening, giving clear instructions, and providing constructive feedback, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective leader both on and/or off the field.
​2. Adaptability: You Gotta Work it Like a Muscle
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Photo by RF._.Studio via https://www.pexels.com/photo/female-football-players-stretching-in-training-3886154/
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After I got cut from the JV team my sophomore year, I couldn’t get out of bed. I was distraught.
“Grace,” my mom said from the doorway, “just go with the flow.” Though it stung in the moment, she was right, because at the end of the day, being adaptable and “going with the flow” will benefit you much more in the long run.
Adaptability is an important quality for any leader, whether in sports or other areas of life. Being adaptable means being able to pivot at the drop of a hat without losing your cool. In sports, unexpected situations can pop up. A player can twist their ankle or your coach can switch up the starters. It is important for leaders to be able to readjust appropriately.
Adaptability is also important in other areas of life, like in the workplace. You never know when your boss will announce a last minute conference or give you new responsibilities. You need to be willing to try new things at all times. It is also helpful to expect potential changes and develop back up plans.
You know what they say, “Practice makes perfect.”
By practicing the skill of adaptability you can expect to be seen as both a dynamic and efficient leader who is able to lead your team through anything.
3. ​Accountability: It’s a Hard Pill to Swallow
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Photo by Alliance Football Club via https://www.pexels.com/photo/football-team-having-a-meeting-10347865/
Despite what you may think, you are human.
And humans mess up.
Regularly.
A true tell sign of a leader is not how badly you fudge it, but how you respond.
Accountability involves taking responsibility for your own actions and holding everyone responsible for theirs. When a teammate sets out on a task, you not only need to encourage them, but also give them tough love. Keep them honest and focused. Someone has to do it, and it is a leader’s role to be the backbone.
In sports, being accountable means showing up to practice on time, putting in extra hours outside of practice to improve your skills, and supporting your team through the inevitable highs and lows.
Outside of sports, you can show accountability by following through on your promises, owning your faults, and consistently showing up for engagements.
A strong leader sets clear boundaries and expectations for everyone, and continuously holds them to that standard.
By being accountable, you display conviction and establish trust with your teammates. You can help any organization win gold by cultivating a culture of accountability.
4. ​Teamwork: So You can Pass a Ball, Big Whoop
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Photo by Kampus Production via https://www.pexels.com/photo/boys-in-their-uniform-standing-in-the-soccer-field-8941616/
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Teamwork makes the dream work. It’s true.
You can’t play an entire team sport by yourself and expect to win. There is no build up. There are no halftime pep talks. There is no one to connect with.
Teamwork is a fundamental aspect of leadership and essential for success in both sports and other avenues of life.
Being a good team player means being able to work effectively with and off each other in order to achieve a common goal. This can be anything from winning the championship or earning an A on a group project. Successful teamwork requires active listening, proper communication, and a willingness to collaborate.
If one person likes blue but another likes red, why not go for purple?
As a leader, it is important to encourage collaboration among team members, leading to never ending support and understanding.
By participating in team-building exercises, setting clear goals and expectations, and recognizing and celebrating individual and team accomplishments, your team will be more united than ever before. As long as you prioritize collaborative teamwork, you can create a more positive and supportive environment that promotes both team and individual sense of purpose.
5. ​Positivity: Smiling Scores Major Points
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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-wearing-black-crew-neck-shirt-and-black-shorts-lying-on-green-grass-at-daytime-937191/
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Picture this: you just lost the finals to your rival in your last game ever. Your career is over. You’re going off to college and sure you can play intramural, but it won’t be the same.
That’s ok! You just have to keep pushing forward!
I’m joking. You are allowed to be upset.
But a real leader knows when it’s eventually time to look on the bright side.
Positivity is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity while in reality, it can have a major long term impact on a team’s success.
As a leader, it is imperative to have a positive outlook, even when things look bleak. By doing so, it gives hope to others that you can overcome anything. It can be seen in the little things by texting a teammate “good job” or hosting an office party at your home.
Although, that doesn't mean you should ignore the facts. Rather, it should encourage you to find the silver lining. you can construct realistic solutions and boost morale all with the power of positivity.
Positivity is infectious and can inspire others to keep on moving.
A positive leader also recognizes individual success while still keeping the team in mind. By doing so, teammates and coworkers gain confidence, and thus improve their work. It can also lead to you finding a second family.
The Final Minutes
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Photo by Lukas via https://www.pexels.com/photo/toddler-playing-soccer-296302/
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To wrap it all up, who cares if you weren’t named 7th Grade Rookie of the Year? Or if your sister was blessed with more athleticism in her pinky than you do in your whole body?
As long as you are actively trying to become a leader, you have.
A real leader doesn’t care if they are a NARP or not. It doesn’t make them any less of a leader. Instead they incorporate these five qualities, amongst others, into their daily lives to help others around them.
So, what are you waiting for? Go do whatever makes you the most comfortable and do it with leadership!
