I have always wanted to be a leader, and I work as hard as I can to be the best leader to all the kids and tennis players that I teach. A leader has to be a leader on and off the tennis court, and an excellent example for everybody. You can be a leader with a good attitude, and everybody around you will love and respect you.
Staying focused, working hard to perfect your talent, inspiring people, being a good sport, having tremendous drive, and taking chances are key attributes. I am so thankful that my experiences with sports early on in life taught me these basic lessons that contributed to my success at work (and in life in general). Hard work, persistence, and experience are essential to becoming a great leader, and I do not believe that opportunities fall onto your lap. You have to want them. It helps to be passionate about what you are working hard to achieve, like the love of the sport, the desire to win.
On-Court Attitude
On the tennis court, part of working hard and getting the most out of it, was finding opportunities to lead – whether that meant displaying model sportsmanship, being a team captain or leveraging my experience as a coach to help others improve. Taking on any leadership role will shape you down the road and has a cumulative effect that will equip you to lead throughout your life. I have always known the importance of teamwork since I played college tennis and played in so many different leagues in Egypt or Germany. Working as a team and helping each other on and off court is something that I love about being a tennis player, and now working at Wembley, and being in that position and working with other coaches is always something that is going to benefit me as a coach and the other coaches as well.
Another essential part of being a team is embracing the help of a coach or mentor. I appreciate the opportunities I have had to be a coach and learn from a coach, and I have continued this practice throughout my life. Taking chances is another “must do” in life and leadership. I depend greatly on my gut, instincts, and emotions. I have a feeling of what is right, and what is wrong, and then I balance that with facts. Every leader has to rely on their ability to make the right call at the right time.
All Kids Are Different
I believe that everyone is different and being a leader means being responsible. Kids are different, and coaches must make sure they learn about kids as fast as possible and give the correct information in the best way possible. Being a leader doesn’t mean you have to shout or yell at the people you are working with or the kids you teach. It is all about respect, and knowing what you have to do or say at the right time, and that is what is going to make you different than anyone else. Some kids need special treatment, and/or telling them things in a different way without hurting their feelings. We have to be responsible for our actions and everything we do to make kids better.
How does being an effective leader involve taking more risks?
I believe that taking risks means facing fears or challenges, and having the courage to move forward. A successful leader is the one who finds new or better ways of achieving things. He/she is the one who finds different solutions for problems or issues. An effective leader should understand that taking risks is essential to achieving results; they should step out of their comfort zone and understand the nuances of the challenges they face to achieve success. Nothing would be accomplished if we refrain from taking risks.
Conclusion
However, being a leader doesn’t mean you have to talk all the time and not give anyone the chance to speak. You always have to provide enough space for parents or kids to talk and discuss things with you. Ask questions and they answer. Let them ask questions, and you have to answer all the questions they have for you sincerely and politely. Leaders should voice their opinions, however, the followers should feel accepted and appreciated. I believe that leaders should listen to challenge themselves and learn from others. I have seen some stubborn head coaches who don’t want to listen to anyone and think they are the best. It is good to have self-confidence, but no matter how good you are, you still have to listen to others.
-Sherif
Interested in taking lessons? Contact The Wembley Club at (440)543-8171 or dave@wembleyclub.com!
