To form a culture of winning, there is a pivotal decision every leader must make. They must identify the Beacon Leaders. I’ve seen this firsthand in coaching, in the classroom, and in principalship. Without Becon Leaders, teams are left searching for identity.
A beacon leader is the main player of the group. They are the individual who the coach gives the most responsibility because they can handle it. They can execute and are the player who sets the tone and hold the standard. If the coach mislabels the beacon leader, it can be detrimental to the entire group. The standard of performance suffers and the group hamstrings all the other groups.
The Quarterback
In football, the quarterback is the primary beacon leader because the position is unique and individualized. They touch the ball every play on offense and affect everyone around them. The primary reason qb’s are compensated so well in professional ball is because of their effect size. Much like a CEO in business, their actions dictate the direction of the organization. It is a large responsibility and the starter must have a high degree of self and situational awareness. Look no further than Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. He is always composed and leads his men. Many around the league consistently rave about his approach to preparation and his competitive spirit. He flourishes in adversity and is never rattled. His laser focus is a gift that he directs towards winning in all phases of the game and preparation.
The Standard
When building teams, identify your beacon leader. They are the standard for the operation and control the room. Build their leadership capacity and help them discover how to influence everyone around them through their preparation, work ethic, and communication skills. Give them responsibility and allow them to create. Be very selective about who receives this title because the wrong choice could cripple overall production. It’s not always the most talented, but the one with the most intangibles.
Keep moving forward!
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Photo by Joshua Hibbert on Unsplash
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