7 Ways Athletes Can Show Leadership in the Face of Resistance

 

Student leadership is difficult. If you’re the captain of a team or in another leadership role, you’re probably tasked with making unpopular decisions, which can lead to resistance from your teammates or your coach. Experiencing resistance as a leader is inevitable and it can actually be an opportunity to hone your leadership skills while creating team buy-in.

Here, board-certified family physician and TrueSport Expert Deborah Gilboa, MD, has seven tips for best handling resistance from your team or your coach.

1. Lead With Curiosity

You know that being a leader doesn’t mean that you make every decision and that your way is the only way. The best way to get your teammates (or your coach) to buy into your ideas is by first listening to their objections—and being open to understanding why they’re objecting.

“Always begin with curiosity,” says Gilboa. Ask questions to better understand why your teammates object to starting practice 15 minutes earlier. You might assume it’s because they want to sleep in, but it could be that one of your teammates has a part-time job early in the morning or needs to watch his younger siblings to make sure they get on the bus.

“We tend to assume, judge, and jump three steps ahead,” Gilboa adds. “You might even be right—but if you don’t find out why your teammates are resisting you, you won’t be able to lead them effectively.” Reflect back their observations and be empathetic to their reality.

2. Present Ideas Clearly and Concisely

When you’re presenting your team with a necessary change, it can still be met with resistance. Gilboa suggests that you start by giving them the information that they need to come to the same conclusion that you came to. “Be transparent and share the facts of the situation before you present your solution,” she says.

For example, if your school recently cut funding for sport teams and the only way to have a men’s and women’s basketball team is to practice and attend the same competitions, present those facts as transparently as possible and give the team the list of possible solutions. Be willing to listen to alternative views and opinions even as you try to steer the team towards your ideal outcome. You can also practice your presentation to ensure the best possible delivery and tone.

3. Give Your Team Time to Feel Their Feelings

Often, resistance is short-lived if you give your teammates the space to vent and complain about something before moving into the solution phase. “If you want to head off resistance in a tricky situation, let the team have their moment to complain,” says Gilboa. “Give people five minutes to feel their feelings and to express what they hate about a situation, because change is hard.” After the timer goes off, shift into problem-solving mode.

4. Remember That It’s Not About You

“We often see people’s resistance to change as a referendum on our leadership,” says Gilboa. “When your teammates disagree with you, it’s easy to assume that they don’t like you or respect you as a leader. That’s a natural reflex—but you have to remember that it’s rarely about you.