What characteristics should every leader possess, and why?
One of the most essential personality traits every leader should possess is accountability. The best leaders understand that the success or failure of a team or individual, ultimately reflects on their leadership. They take full responsibility for the performances, whether the outcomes are positive or negative. This sense of accountability builds trust and respect among the athletes and creates a culture of ownership.
When individuals, or a team, performs well, an accountable leader gives credit where it’s due, acknowledging the hard work and achievements of their athletes. They recognize that success is a collective effort and use praise to motivate and reinforce positive behavior. On the other hand, when the results are not as pleasant, or expected, effective leaders don’t shift blame or make excuses. Instead, they take a hard look at what went wrong, including their own decisions and actions.
Accountable leaders also understand the importance of constructive feedback. Rather than criticizing any athletes, they focus on identifying opportunities for growth and improvement, for themselves and their team. It’s critical that they create an environment where the athletes feel safe to admit mistakes, ask questions, and learn from what didn’t go well.
One of the toughest parts of coaching for all of us is being transparent about our own shortcomings. We can’t afford to pretend we’re infallible—we must acknowledge that we’re human and quite possibly have made a few mistakes along the way. This humility and introspection fosters, as hard as it is to swallow, mutual respect. It encourages open communication among the athletes. When coaches/leaders model accountability, it sets a standard that encourages everyone to take ownership of their roles and contribute more to the program.
In a world where many people prefer to follow the crowd or deflect blame—often referred to as “groupthink”—true leaders stand out by taking initiative and responsibility. They guide their teams with integrity and lead by example, which is why accountability is not just a desirable trait in a leader—it’s a necessary one.
Think about the teams, state and national, who you can place a name to as being consistently at the top, and you should be able to put faces to the qualities I just described.
