5 Qualities That Make A Great Leader
We’ve been around a ton of different teams, and a ton of different types of leaders. Our mom has been coaching at The United States Naval Academy for over 30 years. And growing up around this—people who made the choice to serve their country, are trained to lead others, and continually value the team over themselves— we have gained a meaningful and well rounded perspective on leadership. So we have put together 5 qualities we have learned from every powerful leader and what they look like.
1. Passion
Passion = fuel
Passion is the deep desire within an athlete that drives them beyond just playing the game. It’s relentless love, energy, and commitment. It’s what makes the early mornings, the tough trainings, injuries, and setbacks that feel worth it.
What does this look like?
+enthusiasm for the little things
+showing up when nobody is watching — extra reps, watching film, being the first to training & the last to leave
+celebrating a teammates success like its your own
+complete buy in to team’s purpose and vision
+step up under adversity
+chase excellence
2. Connection
Connection = bridge
This is a TEAM game. Connection is the most important aspect of a successful team. It’s the bond that links the athletes together — on and off the field — to create trust and understanding. It builds a shared energy that lifts the whole team together. It’s the foundation for players to not only compete side by side — but for each other.
What does this look like?
+spending time getting to know each teammate
+learning how others value their roles
+engaging with teammates successes outside of football
+ensuring a new teammate feels welcome and included
+inclusion and celebrating player differences
3. Humility
Humility = foundation
This means staying grounded and respectful no matter how talented or successful you become. It’s about recognizing that there’s always more to learn and that your achievements are part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about valuing others contributions as much as your own. It’s about leading with respect, not ego.
What does this look like?
+picking up the cones, even after playing 90 minutes. nobody is above the basics. leaders carry the waters.
+showing up to training like you haven’t made the team yet — even if you are the teams best player.
+showing gratitude to the support staff — strength coach, social media person, equipment manager, the buildings clean up crew, etc.
+play for a higher purpose (team/program first)
+acknowledge teammates contributions and successes
4. Vision + drive
Vision + drive = compass + engine
Vision is having a bigger picture of your future success. It’s setting ambitious goals and being relentless in the pursuit of that greatness. Having the drive is having the fuel to keep moving forward. It’s discipline and grit, especially in times of low motivation and setback.
What does this look like?
+making decisions that put the team first — watching film, eating and sleeping well, making sacrifices, and not expecting praise
+constantly accepting feedback and adjusting
+taking responsibility for your own development
+sacrificing personal glory for team success
+setting team goals to create purpose
+working outside of training to achieve personal growth
5. Accountability
Accountability = mirror
This means taking full responsibility for your actions, performance, attitude, decisions, etc. It’s owning your role in the team success or failure without blaming others. It’s about showing up prepared and the best version of yourself because you know it’ll help the team. It’s about staying fit in the off season, because you know it’ll help the team. It’s about dragging teammates out to train on an off day, because you know it will help the team. It’s about looking in the mirror. It’s about setting standards and staying true to them.
What does this look like?
+carrying gear
+holding the team to their standards
+accepting responsibility when you make a mistake
+following through on commitments
+caring about every small detail
True leadership isn’t about titles or talent — it’s about character. The best leaders show up with humility, passion, accountability, vision, and connection. These qualities don’t just inspire others; they elevate everyone around them. Whether you’re leading a team, a locker room, or just trying to lead yourself better each day, remember: leadership is a choice made in the small moments. It’s who you are when no one’s watching, and how you lift others when everyone is. Lead with intention, and everything else will follow.
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