As I attend college, I have faced many challenges where my leadership was put to the test or I was discontent with that of others. As an introvert who does not enjoy being the center of attention, taking on a leadership role was not easy. However, after taking the lead on a group project because people weren’t doing what they were supposed to do, I have realized the importance of being a leader. Although many think that the most important contributions of a leader are their skills and knowledge, it turns out this is rarely enough. Leaders often require qualities that parallel those seen in sports.

An important aspect of a good leader is the ability to take risks and to speak up for their people. On Dec. 3, the commissioners of the Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference lobbied the legislature to expand the rights of college athletes by setting a national standard on how college athletes can make profit. Their main claim was that attempts by athletes to make profit can lead students to prioritize the most lucrative contract over a more fitting school for them. This trend can damage the nature of college sports, and so there must be measures in place to protect them. Although it may take a long time for legislative changes to be implemented and it is difficult to persuade the public to agree to such a rule, standing up for others despite likely objections and possible retaliation is an example of what it means to be a successful leader. Privilege comes with great responsibility and one must know how they can use their privilege in a way that benefits everyone, not just themselves.

Another important aspect of a good leader is the endeavor to bring positive changes and improvements. University of Oregon’s women’s beach volleyball team and six members of the women’s rowing team have recently sued the school for Title IX violations, claiming that the school discriminated against female athletes in regards to facilities and funding. According to the athletes, they were less likely to receive adequate training, opportunities and income.

They further claim that the lack of resources in the “name, image and likeness” (NIL) marketplace and the pursuit of a professional career has hindered its female athletes from making profit and establishing a successful career. By taking this step forward, the players and their coaches are taking an active role to persuade other schools to increase funding and improve the quality of female sports. Not only are these people trying to make their own lives better, but they are also encouraging others to stand up for themselves to make positive changes. A good leader must be able to represent their community members and continuously strive to make positive changes with a strong passion for their field.

Since the 1990s, Manchester United has been on the top tier of European soccer with its numerous titles and its legendary players. However, since 2013 when Sir Alex Ferguson retired from management, the team has suffered from poor performance due to ineffective managers and insufficient support from the owners. Although the team’s decline has been ongoing for almost a decade and its former glory is nowhere to be seen, this season especially sheds light on current manager Erik ten Hag’s incapability as they are in danger of getting eliminated in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) competitions and are performing poorly in the league. On the other hand, since Jürgen Klopp was appointed as Liverpool FC’s manager in 2015, the team has been able to escape from hard times and regain its fame. After three years of rebuilding, the team won its sixth champions league trophy, the Premier League trophy, in almost 30 years. Thus, the team’s former glory that had faded for many decades has been restored. Such a difference in results is mostly due to how the managers approach their role.

In an interview, Klopp emphasized the importance of dedication, commitment, trustworthiness and empathy. Since his arrival to the team, he has set high but attainable expectations, constantly showed his dedication towards his squad, established a winning mentality for his players and has been able to make emotionally challenging decisions in the direction that best advances the team. He communicates with his players in an empathic and friendly attitude rather than be portrayed as an authoritative figure, thus gaining respect and creating unity. On the other hand, ten Hag has been making headlines for rumors regarding conflicts with key players with ego issues that cost the team its performance, overpaying on transfers for unqualified players—especially the ones that he coached in Amsterdamsche Football Club (AFC) Ajax—demanding excessive power and authority even in areas where he does not have any expertise. Although the skills and work ethic of each team member is important, a good leader must also be able to bring people together and understand the gravity of the power they hold.

Although many perceive sports only as a form of entertainment, I have found it also teaches us valuable lessons. Both in team sports and in everyday life, it is crucial that people conduct their jobs with professionalism and are willing to work with others towards achieving a common goal. Leaders must be able to acknowledge that their power is given to them as a tool to do their job well—not as a tool to achieve personal gains—and teammates must respect their leader’s authority.