By definition, shared leadership is described as “a dynamic, interactive influence process among individuals in groups for which the objective is to lead one another to the achievement of group or organizational goals or both” (Pearce and Conger).

So, really, all of us together; coaches, parents, and players have a responsibility to nurture, show patience, and lead one another towards the best sporting experience for the children. In order to do this we must have referees.

This week a 14 year old female retired from the referee business because “the environment was overwhelming” in a 9v9 game. For sure, on any given day, so many reasons could factor into this young lady's decision to stop refereeing. And many of those reasons may have nothing to do with coaches, parents, and players. But the fact it happened should remind all of us that working and leading together, with the best experience for the kids as our objective, can result in the creation of an environment that facilitates learning for all involved. It goes without saying that our community has reflected an incredibly positive and sportsperson-like attitude. This season, to date, negative reports from the referee assignors regarding girls coaches and parents poor behavior has virtually been zero. Of this, SLSG is proud and we thank you. Thank you for reflecting the club in such a positive way! But still this incident is a great reminder of our overall purpose.

MeiKayla Moore is obviously a talented soccer player. She’s a starting member of the Liverpool Ladies Professional team and she has represented her country at every level including the U17, U20, and now, has made 50 appearances for the full Women’s National Team. So, no, I’m guessing MeiKayla could never have imagined her most recent match as a center back, would end with her scoring three goals… in her own goal. 

It is out of these moments we need to remember that leaders are needed, depended upon, and created. MeiKayla was supported by her teammates, reassuring her over and over that she needed to be positive. 

In the press conference that followed the match, her coach, who had to substitute Moore a little earlier than normal, continued to show confidence in her, and at the same time, it was visible to all how much she cared about Moore the person. "Obviously she's sad and disappointed, but she has us. We know who she is, we know what a great player she is, and we are going to support her as much as possible and we will be behind her."

“Always remember that your greatness as a leader will not be determined by how much power you accumulate, it will be determined by how much you serve and sacrifice for others to help them become great. Great leaders don't succeed because they are great. They succeed because they bring out the greatness in others.” -What Drives Winning 

Servant Leadership. Sounds strange at first right? A servant is defined in our society as someone who performs duties for others. But a leader? Something completely different; when academically defined, a leader oversees groups of people or organizations, or possibly even has the duties performed for them. Or so we think. These two ideas joining together seems like the ultimate paradox. What if the best leaders out there changed this narrative and took on the role of the servant, allowing their actions to harbor a positive, supportive, and nurturing environment?



So I will ask this, what do you want out of your experience in being a leader? We here at SLSG, regardless of what platform one is a member of, realize that we can use our time in this club to do more than learn soccer. We can do positive things for others and make lifelong impressions, especially those younger than ourselves. Let’s understand it's not all about the vocal leader or the flashy leader but about the process and lessons it takes to put yourself and others in the position to have an equal voice. It is about the things that may go unnoticed that intend to make walking through life for someone else a little bit easier. It is about paving the way but doing so in such a graceful manner that motivates and has a broader goal in mind than just the outcome. In a team environment that responsibility takes on many different forms; asking someone how their day has been when you notice they are a little off than normal, picking up the cones after practice, or collecting all the balls. A leader who is able to show they too have a stake in the game and have their ego take a backseat will go far when trying to earn their peer’s trust and respect. This shift in thinking is attributed to humility, where these leaders work not out of empathy, but through solidarity.

But servant leadership opens the door to creating relationships with others in all areas of our life, not just soccer. Having a genuine investment in someone else, whether it’s your boss, mentor, an authority figure, family member, favorite coffee barista, or a stranger walking down the street, creates dividends in their lives. This impact may not become evident until many years down the line, but a seed is planted and someone may never forget how they are made to feel.

Remember that servant leadership is not about oneself but the duties to others. Remember that it’s not outcome-driven but goal-driven in the sense that the sum of the parts make the whole whereas the parts are every goal made to work towards the whole and the whole is the outcome. Remember that no one is perfect and that leadership takes hard work and effort. Investment takes effort. Remember that your impact is important no matter how big or small. And remember to smile through the lessons you are taught because at the end of the day they will make you better for it. And if you remember these things, you too, will be a great leader.

-Syd Stephens (SLSG 21')