LIONS AND SHEEP

One of the greatest quotes about the heart of a leader is by Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, a French diplomat who worked successfully in the regime of Louise XVI, through the French Revolution, and was regarded as one of the most influential and versatile diplomats in European history.

In describing himself, Talleyrand expressed, "I am more afraid of an army of one hundred sheep led by a lion than an army of lions led by a sheep."

To my athletes out there ready to lead your teams to victory, ready to lead your teams to places they've never been, ready to make your team believe that together you are unstoppable read this. It just may change your season, and the way people look at your for the rest of your life. It is the difference between a Lion and a Sheep.

The Lion in the leader gives confidence to the team because they are the ultimate example to what the team should be. The Lion in the Leader exemplifies:

1. Work Ethic: The Lion in the leader sets the tone in practice, in games, in the weight room. Nobody outworks the Lion. For the Lion knows, if anyone outworks the Lion, he is no longer the leader.

2. Competitiveness: The Lion in the leader hates to lose. The Lion will do whatever it takes within ethical boundaries to win. No one hates losing more than the Lion. For the Lion knows, if anyone wants it more, he is no longer the leader.

3. Presence: The Lion in the Leader has presence. The other team hates to see the Lion walk on to the court. Because they know that hell's coming with him. The opponent knows the presence of the Lion reflects on the presence of the team. When the leader has the presence of a ferocious lion, so then, does the team.

4. Perseverance: The Lion in the leader never quits. When all is well the Lion in the leader never lets it go to his head. In fact, when it is good, the Lion works harder. When things are bad, the Lion in the leader smiles and invites the fear. Because the Lion knows that when things are bad the best comes out in him. He knows its a bad idea when you corner a hungry lion, he just may eat you.

5. Skill: The Lion in the leader possesses tremendous skill. Why, because the Lion knows who they are, what they do well, and how to effectively apply those skills. The Lion is a master at his skills. The Lion understands that he must work to perfect his skills daily, harder than anyone else. Nobody works harder at mastering his skills than the leader. For the leader knows if anyone works harder, he is no longer the leader.

6. Humility: The Lion in the leader is supremely confident in who he is, so there is no need to boast. This is one of the Lions greatest qualities, because humility is a product of integrity and gratitude. The Lion earns respect because he is first respectful to all others. The Lion is both a gracious winner because he is knows that a win is gift of effort. The Lion is also a gracious loser, because he can always learn from a loss.

7. Integrity: The Lion in the leader can be trusted. If there is no trust, there is no leadership. The Lion in the leader matches his words with his actions, and no matter what he says, he comes through. The Lion understands that integrity is the number #1 quality he possesses in his leadership and never fails himself or his teammates with lack of it. In the heat of a battle, if your team lacks trust in you, you are sure to lose their confidence and thus the battle.

8. Inspiring Others: The Lion in the leader inspires others to be greater then they think they could ever possibly be. The Lion in the leader does this because he believes in the greatness that others possess. He believes that whether sheep or lion, all were created for greatness.

9. Responsibility: The Lion in the leader takes responsibility for the heartbeat of the team. He takes responsibility for the successes and the failures of the team. Because of this the lion will not tolerate teammates who bring the team down or create turbulence. The lion is quick to deal with situations that hinder the progress of the team and is known to roar at those who bring it down.

Because these qualities are part of the Lions heart, they create something that others cannot create:

BELIEF

This is why the Lion can turn an army of sheep into an unstoppable force. If their leader is a Lion, they too will believe they are Lions. They too will believe that they are fierce, prepared, and ready to do whatever it takes.

Not everyone will be a Lion type leader. But those who dedicate themselves to first their character, knowing and mastering their skills, doing whatever it takes, respecting all others friends and foes, persevering through hard times, working even harder through the good times, and setting the standard wherever they are may have a chance.

Are you a Lion or a Sheep?

If you lead a team, look at who and where they are. This will tell you who you are.

If you are leading as a sheep, even if you have lions, beware of the time when you face the sheep led by a lion. You will lose. Go find a lion to take your place.

If you are a lion, continue to make more lions out of sheep, and continue to watch your team and your greatness soar!