Field Notes-Are You A Leader?
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Lead Like Jesus – Chapter 1
At B3rd Athletics, we often talk about leadership. But many people misunderstand what leadership really is. Too often, leadership gets associated with titles, positions, or authority. The reality is much simpler—and much more challenging. In Lead Like Jesus, the authors define leadership this way:
Leadership is an influence process.
In other words, any time you seek to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of another person, you are stepping into the role of a leader.
That means leadership is happening far more often than we realize. It happens in locker rooms, in classrooms, in homes, and among friends. Leadership is not limited to people with official titles—it belongs to anyone who chooses to influence others in a positive way.
Two Types of Leaders
The authors describe two primary types of leadership: life role leadership and organizational leadership.
Life Role Leadership
Life role leaders influence people through enduring relationships. These are the people who are closest to us—parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, and close friends. Their leadership does not come from a title but from the trust and connection they share with us.
Organizational Leadership
Organizational leaders are individuals who are given a leadership role because of a position within a group or structure. Coaches, teachers, bosses, pastors, and youth leaders all fall into this category.
What is fascinating is that most of the significant influence in our lives actually comes from life role leaders. Yet many people believe they must wait until they receive a leadership title before they can make a difference. The truth is that leadership begins long before a title ever appears.
Leadership in Athletics
This is something I have tried to emphasize with assistant coaches and athletes throughout my coaching career. God is calling all of us to leadership. That does not mean we will always be the leader in every situation, but it does mean we must be prepared and willing to lead when the opportunity arises.
If you are a student-athlete, understand that someone is always watching. Your work ethic, your attitude, and the way you treat teammates all influence the culture of your team. If you are a coach, remember that your leadership did not begin the day you received your title. Some of the best coaches operate as both organizational leaders and life role leaders.
At B3rd Athletics, the goal is not simply to coach athletes for a season. The goal is to invest in their lives.
Great coaches care about who their athletes become long after the final game is played.
Biblical Leadership
The Bible gives us a clear picture of what leadership should look like.
In 1 Timothy 3:1–7, Paul describes the qualities required for leaders in the early church. What stands out is that before someone could become an organizational leader, they had to demonstrate strong life role leadership in their personal life.
Paul describes leaders as people who are:
Above reproach
Faithful in their relationships
Temperate and self-controlled
Respectable and hospitable
Able to teach
Gentle rather than violent
Not quarrelsome
Not motivated by the love of money
This description paints a picture of a leader whose character speaks louder than their position.
In many ways, it reflects the heart of the B3rd philosophy: someone who is willing to put God first, put others second, and place themselves third.
When someone lives this way consistently, they are preparing themselves to lead well when God eventually places them in positions of greater responsibility.
B3rd Focus
Leadership begins with influence, not position. Every athlete, coach, and parent has a sphere of influence. The question is not whether we are leading—but how we are leading.
Coaching Reflection
One of the greatest mistakes in leadership is waiting for permission to lead.
Many people believe they must wait until they receive a title before their voice matters. But the most influential leaders are often the ones who lead quietly through their character, consistency, and care for others. The best coaches understand this balance. They hold a leadership position, but they strive to influence their athletes as life role leaders—mentors who care about the whole person, not just performance on the field.
B3rd Application
Take time this week to evaluate your circle of influence.
Ask yourself:
Who is watching my example?
Who am I influencing through my actions?
Am I leading people closer to God through the way I live?
Leadership is happening every day in the small decisions we make.
B3rd Challenges
For Athletes
Recognize that leadership is not reserved for captains. Lead through your effort, your attitude, and the way you encourage your teammates.
For Coaches
Strive to be more than an organizational leader. Invest in your athletes as people and aim to influence their lives beyond the game.
For Parents
Understand the powerful role you play as a life role leader. Your daily example will shape your child's understanding of character, faith, and leadership.
Closing Thought
True leadership begins with character. When we choose to put God first, others second, and ourselves third, we begin to develop the type of life that naturally influences others for good. And when the time comes for greater responsibility, we will already be prepared to lead well.
