Regan Keay Leadership Essay English 11
Regan Keay
Ms. Toner
English 11-5
22 January 2014 Leadership Leads to Success In 1986 the New York Mets defeated the Boston red sox in the 7th game of the World Series. The media world exploded, stating that they were “destined to win” and that they were “a team of winners”. In reality that is not how it went. They captured the title with the help of one teammate. His leadership brought it home. Having leadership on a team also makes other teammates better; it pushes them to the next level and makes people want to play like them. Having a leader on your team, is having someone who is completely devoted to the team. If you didn’t have that one player who always does what is best for the team, you wouldn’t win. Teams with players that possess leadership skills typically have a better overall team. Team chemistry, confidence and win percentage all increase. If you want to be a successful sports team, having a player who demonstrates leadership is key.
Leaders are motivators. In 1986 the Mets won 108 out of 162 games and the World Series although they were destined to fail. “’Thank God,’ says Hearn ‘for Mex’” (Pearlman 1). ‘Mex’ was Keith Hernandez, a veteran first baseman who had one World Series title under his belt. “Hernandez was the guy who paced the dugout while screaming at rival pitchers; it was Hernandez who advised Met relief pitchers about why the outside fastball would work better than the inside slider, and who set the ever important (yet oft-absent) positive tone.” (Pearlman 1) When you have a player, who never gives up, and is always pushing others, it makes their teammates want to win and play harder. In 2011 the Florida gators made it to the sweet 16 in the NCAA after having a few years of hard times. Chandler Parsons have played through it all. He was a key player in the team gaining their mojo back. His coach gave him the option to leave, or buy in. “He stayed and worked and got better. He got quicker and stronger and eliminated his
Ms. Toner
English 11-5
22 January 2014 Leadership Leads to Success In 1986 the New York Mets defeated the Boston red sox in the 7th game of the World Series. The media world exploded, stating that they were “destined to win” and that they were “a team of winners”. In reality that is not how it went. They captured the title with the help of one teammate. His leadership brought it home. Having leadership on a team also makes other teammates better; it pushes them to the next level and makes people want to play like them. Having a leader on your team, is having someone who is completely devoted to the team. If you didn’t have that one player who always does what is best for the team, you wouldn’t win. Teams with players that possess leadership skills typically have a better overall team. Team chemistry, confidence and win percentage all increase. If you want to be a successful sports team, having a player who demonstrates leadership is key.
Leaders are motivators. In 1986 the Mets won 108 out of 162 games and the World Series although they were destined to fail. “’Thank God,’ says Hearn ‘for Mex’” (Pearlman 1). ‘Mex’ was Keith Hernandez, a veteran first baseman who had one World Series title under his belt. “Hernandez was the guy who paced the dugout while screaming at rival pitchers; it was Hernandez who advised Met relief pitchers about why the outside fastball would work better than the inside slider, and who set the ever important (yet oft-absent) positive tone.” (Pearlman 1) When you have a player, who never gives up, and is always pushing others, it makes their teammates want to win and play harder. In 2011 the Florida gators made it to the sweet 16 in the NCAA after having a few years of hard times. Chandler Parsons have played through it all. He was a key player in the team gaining their mojo back. His coach gave him the option to leave, or buy in. “He stayed and worked and got better. He got quicker and stronger and eliminated his
Cited: Pearlman, Jeff. "Winners + Losers." Psychology Today 42.2 (2009): 92-97. Canadian Reference Centre. Web. 16 Jan. 2014. Fletcher, Richard B.Roberts, Margaret H. "Longitudinal Stability Of The Leadership Scale For Sports." Measurement In Physical Education & Exercise Science 17.2 (2013): 89. Advanced Placement Source. Web. 16 Jan. 2014. Hayes, Matt. "Half Way To Houston." Sporting News 235.6 (2011): 44. Middle Search Plus. Web. 16 Jan. 2014 DOLLINGER, MATT. "The Mouth That Roared." Sports Illustrated (2013): 28. Middle Search Plus. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.