CHALLENGER AND NAIA

Champions of Character
By
Bruce E Brown, NAIA Special Presenter

The Core Value of SERVANT LEADERSHIP

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but this I know: The only ones among you who will be truly happy are those who will have sought and found, how to serve."
Albert Schweitzer

The best of leaders are the first to serve, putting others before themselves. The servant leader is the one who is the first to volunteer to help, never too proud to do work, even the difficult or unpopular jobs in order for the team to succeed. Those jobs are often done without anyone knowing because there is no complaining or comparing. The servant leader is reliably and consistently a servant for the others.

"It is true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others succeed."
Napoleon Hill

The servant leader has enough self confidence that they are unafraid of being first, of potential failure and of looking silly. They are not threatened by success of others and are the first to take responsibility for mistakes. A sincere, and self-confident, "my fault", brings others together.

"From what we get, we can make a living; from what we give, we make a life."
Arthur Ashe

The servant leader has embraced the self-discipline of being part of a successful team and can avoid immature and unhealthy situations. They work just as hard whether or not they are being watched or measured.

"Before you can be externally competitive, you must be internally cooperative."
Mike Fratzke

Selflessness is exemplified in all aspects of their life. Their ego and individual goals do not get in the way of the larger picture of team goals. They understand that personal recognition is not the path toward team success and understand that the most recognition always should go to the team. Teammates are often in need of personal help and the servant leader is there when needed.
One of the most fundamental responsibilities of successful team leadership is to eliminate selfishness. Selfishness on the team level or with an individual player will destroy a team faster than anything else.

"To lead people, walk behind them."
Lao Tzu

The servant leader is a positive role model for others by action and word. Their effort is never questioned, their positive enthusiasm is never hidden and their sportsmanship demonstrates respect to teammates, opponents and to the spirit of the game.

"All those who exalt themselves will be humbled and all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Matthew 23:12

Roles within a team:
One of the best examples of being a servant leader is when a player takes the step from independence to interdependence and accepts a role on a team. Choosing to play a game where there are multiple roles necessary for team success is a test of character, commitment and leadership. A "team-first" servant leadership attitude allows people to accept roles that make others better. Great teams have servant leaders who each make their own unique contribution to the groups' success. At least one player needs to have the skills to perform each of the duties necessary for the team to collectively function. For example, each basketball team must have passers; every volleyball team must have a setter, etc.

Although some roles appear to have more importance than others, in reality it is the combination of skill (roles) that allows a team to reach its ultimate potential. Roles give players an identity. Having a group of people who understand and consent to filling all the roles begins the process of building a "team identity".

"A champion team will beat a team of champions."
Unknown

Roles can either be a force that binds the team together or creates jealousy between the individual parts. Roles can either be seen as "limiting" or "contributing" depending on the view of each participant. The servant leader accepts and embraces a role that will make others and the team better, and sees each role as having the same value within the team. Although they may continue to work to expand the role they play on the team, they do not look at roles with a jealous eye. The more each servant leader embraces their role, the more personal glory is spread to all members of the team.

Team confidence is derived from effectively performing a role within a team that will allow a player to invest more energy and bring more positive power to the group. A team of servant leaders who have the self-confidence and discipline to have unselfishly embraced their roles and serve others first, will always be much stronger than a group of talented individuals.

Champions of Character core values

For more information on the Champions of Character initiative, contact the NAIA National Office at 913-791-0044 or www.championsofcharacter.org.