How am i supposed to be a leader if even i feel like i dont fit in?

Question

my coach recently told me he expects me to be a leader this season on my team. he "is impressed with my talent and wants me to be a leader" however, i am quiet around my teammates, and sometimes even intimidated. i feel like i don't fit in (not talent wise, just personality) every once in a while. i dont know how i am supposed to be a leader like he wants me to be. can anyone offer some suggestions to help. i would greatly appreciate it. thank you all.

Answer 1

Your coach has shown confidence in you.  Step up, it's usually the quiet ones that have the best things to say when they do talk.  Talk to someone about how to be confident.  It may be something as simple as standing up straight and looking people in the eye.

A leader leads by example.  Watch some of the tapes of the relays that Micheal  Phelps was in with three other men.  It was the media focusing on him.  He was side by side with his team and tried to make sure to give them credit and keep them from being over looked.  He also complemented the newer member of the team after the first relay.  

Do your job and make suggestions when you feel you have something that will help the team.  Always say something complementary to your mates but don't be insincere or gushing.

Be your self that's who the coach wants.

Answer 2

Perhaps he is "challenging" you because he knows you can do it - and wants to encourage you to build up your confidence.  It may be a great opportunity for you - something you may end up being grateful for later.

Answer 3

Well, it sounds like you're already on the road to being a leader then. All the great leaders that I know don't fit in with the team. All you need to do now is to talk to your team. Don't make a clique and only talk to specific people, talk to everyone.

If you see anyone playing well, say "Good job! I really like that *what the person did well*."

Or if a player is doing something wrong say "Hey, you're doing everything well, but here's one thing you can change. *teach them the right/better way*".

Don't be intimidated by other players. Whenever you start to get intimidated think to yourself "The coach complimented ME, not THEM." Don't put the other player's on a pedestal, put yourself on one.

Remember-

-A good leader is not bossy.

-A good leader's priority is to make the team better.

-A good leader can make even a negative situation into a positive one.

-A good leader doesn't criticize only tries to improve.

-A good leader does not blame the team when it loses.

-A good leader is not a pushover.