I don’t care what kind of sport you like to play or even what kind of work you do. Somebody has to be the leader or the strategies and plans that are made won’t get completed. Today lets focus on paintball leadership and using strategies to get your team all on one page. There are several things to think about and learn when talking about leadership. I’m not talking about being the boss, nobody wants to follow a boss but people will follow a leader.

Just exactly what is the difference between a leader and a boss? I’ve thought about this allot and have read many books on the subject of leadership. The reason is because I want to be a leader and there are many differences between a boss (manager) and a leader. Lets make a quick distinction; a boss is really a manager in disguise. Why is a boss a manager? If you think about it, people who are bosses really want to manage everything that happens. Whether that is in the work place or on the paintball field. What I mean by managing is they consistently tell people what to do and how to do it. Really it’s micro managing, no matter, it’s still managing and people don’t like it.

Let me explain briefly. People want three things, they want to be appreciated for what they do, they want to be recognized for their contribution, and they want to be creative. Really there’s more but we’ll start with these. A leader understands people and knows what they want and will draw the best from each person. A true leader will make those who follow him want to do things for their leader. For example, have you ever had a boss who only told you about the things that you do wrong? Someone who reminded you every time you were late – that you were late. They never thank you or tell you that you did a good job or even acknowledge your value to the company. That’s a manager.

You can manage things but you lead people. And in your paintball games don’t you ask your team members to do certain things. If you are the strategist for your team don’t you need each team member to do what you ask him or her to do. If they don’t the whole mission is at jeopardy. That’s why the leader needs to understand his people and make them want to do what ever he asks them to do. If your boss at work never talked with you and only told you how terrible your work was would you be willing to do anything extra for him? Probably not, but if your leader constantly recognized your hard work, your extra effort and the contribution that you were making to the team wouldn’t you feel like giving back when they asked for it.

In conclusion plan you strategies and always lead people by telling them how important they are to the team and how much you appreciate their efforts. Give them opportunities to express their creativeness and always say, “thank you” and “you’re doing a great job” when appropriate.

Author Bio: Mike regularly writes for ProlificPaintball.com, they carry such paintball equipment as Paintball Marker and the Tippmann A-5, as well as many other items from a variety of manufacturers.

Category: Sports
Keywords: Paintball Marker, Tippmann A-5