By Tyler Daniel

In a world where genuine leadership is as scarce as finding a quiet moment in Times Square, true leaders emerge by mastering the art of connection.

They understand that leadership isn't about using authority, but about inspiring and empowering others.

The Power of Communication

"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others."

— Jack Welch

The Art of Team Leadership

Weekly Team Emails

I send a weekly email to our team of coaches to maintain communication and provide support.

These emails address any issues from practices or events, offer solutions or guidance, and provide feedback on games and practices.

I highlight our overall successes and suggest areas for improvement.

This keeps the team engaged, maintains open lines of communication, and allows me to support them throughout the season.

Regular Individual Check-ins

I reach out to each coach individually about 2–3 times a week.

These check-ins are to make sure everything is going as planned and allows me to see if they need help with anything.

I also inquire about their personal well-being, ensuring their schedule isn't overloaded and that they still have time for activities they enjoy outside of coaching.

Appreciation and Gratitude Messages

Everyone craves acceptance and appreciation.

People desire connection and want to feel part of a community.

I regularly send thank-you and gratitude messages to my team.

The most effective way to achieve this is by acknowledging contributions, and reinforcing positive actions.

People never forget how you make them feel, whether that experience is positive or negative.

I've incorporated this mindset into both my professional and personal life.

I strive to provide a positive experience for everyone I encounter, aiming to help them improve in some manner.

Systems & Automation

Implementing systems has significantly improved our process of training coaches and setting them up for success.

We use an app called TeamSnap for effective communication with players and parents.

It allows us to update the coaches and parents on any notifications regarding practices, games, or other scheduled events.

We also utilize an employee scheduling app (sling) that sends text and email reminders about schedules and associated tasks.

These systems have enhanced our efficiency and effectiveness over the past two years.

Previously, I was constantly reminding the team about practices and upcoming events.

Now, this automated process frees up my time for more meaningful tasks than day-to-day reminders.

Off-season Bonding

Our team seasons last about 8–10 weeks and follow the four seasons: summer, fall, winter, and spring.

We have a 2 week break between seasons.

During these off-seasons, I engage in various activities with the coaches.

One of my coaches enjoys yoga, so I join him for sessions.

We also participate in a men's basketball league with several coaches, which serves as another way to bond and connect.

Leadership is fundamentally about building trust and relationships.

The more you connect and build relationships with others, the easier it becomes to lead them, especially when you demonstrate genuine concern and a desire to see them succeed.

The ultimate goal of my company is to position everyone for success.

Authority or Love?

Empathy and understanding are the most effective ways to connect with others and positively influence them.

When you embrace these qualities, building relationships becomes natural.

They form the foundation for establishing mutual trust and respect.

A valuable lesson I've learned from working with diverse people of all ages and backgrounds: When you're understanding and truly care about others, they reciprocate.

People naturally gravitate towards those who show genuine concern for them.

Lead with love.

I've always been able to get the most out of my players, employees, and the people around me by leading this way.

We need more people in the world who lead with love.

I've been able to build a community of like-minded people because of this simple principle.

I've been able to help and transform over 3,000 athletes in seven years because I choose to lead with love.

3 Rules to Live by: