The importance of leadership quality to enhance a coachs competency

Any Coach Education development plan must give emphasis on leadership quality. Players in order to be satisfied need a coach, who can lead them to the right direction, as they want to be guided by those they respect and who have a clear vision. Leadership is a process of influencing others to accomplish objectives and direct the team in a way that makes it more creative and achievable. Leadership quality and experience can be developed through out educational plans by organizing leadership conferences, seminars and workshops. No more old beliefs that a leader is born as a leader. Good leaders are made, they are not being born. The desire and willpower of the coach can assist to become an effective leader, as a good leader develops through a never ending process of self study, education, training and experience. Well qualified coaches are continually working and studying to improve their leadership behaviors and styles. Understanding leadership styles can develop a coachs own personal direction, and help the coach to become a more effective leader. Researchers have developed a number of leadership theories over the years. These can be categorized as follows; 1. Trait theories ;( what types of person makes good leader) leaders share a number of common personality traits and characteristics and leadership emerges from those traits. 2. Behavioral theories; (what does a good leader do) Its focusing on how leaders behave. Do they dictate what needs to be done and expect cooperation? 3. Contingency theories; (how does the situation influence good leadership) try to predict which leadership style is appropriate in which circumstances. 4. Power and influence theories; (what is the source of the leader power) based on the different ways in which leaders use power and influence to get things done such as personal power. 5. Transactional theories; this approach assumes that work is done only because its rewarded, and focuses on designing tasks and reward structure 6. Transformational theories; effective leadership is not simply based on a set of attributes behavior, or influence. The real leader must have a wide range of abilities and approaches. Transformational leadership approach is appropriate in very many corporate situations A leader using this style must possess the following; Have integrity Set clear goals Clearly communicating a vision Set a good example Expect the best from the team

Encourage Support Recognize good work Provide stimulating work Help the team to see beyond their self-interest, and focus more on team interests and need. Inspire

In short, transformational leadership is defined as a process in which a leader tries to increase the players awareness of what is right and important to motivate them to perform beyond expectation. Also, note that it is the players, not the coach who determines that the coach is successful. If they do not trust or lack of confidence in his/hers leadership approach, then they will be uninspired. To be successful you have to convince your team players, not yourself or your superior, that you are worthy of being followed.

Dr. Shamil Kamil Mohammed

References; Bass, Bm & Bass, R (2008) The Bass handbook of leadership theory, research and managerial applications. New York. Free press Bass, Bernard (1990) Form transnational to transformational leadership, learning to share the vision