The Law of the Playmaker
Playmakers are what we call “get-it-done-and-then-some” people. When a teammate is losing motivation, a playmaker brings the drive.
How do you spot the playmakers on your team? A true champion exemplifies these characteristics:
- Ambition: A playmaker has high goals, hates to lose, and puts goals above ability.
- Coachability: A playmaker takes advice and is easy to coach. His humility gives him an eagerness to learn, and is easily approachable amidst scrutiny. He is willing to follow rules and directions.
- Aggressiveness: A playmaker is assertive, and will do anything to be the best. He is a great competitor.
- Leadership: A playmaker sets a good example. His fellow team members respect him because he mixes well with everyone. Others follow his lead and take his advice.
- Take-Charge Attitude: A playmaker will take over when something goes wrong. When under pressure, he does resolves problems.
- Hard Working: A playmaker is the first at practice, and the last to leave. He does extra work to improve. He never misses the workouts or gives excuses. He is a self-starter.
- Physical Toughness: A playmaker develops toughness through hard work. He leads in conditioning. He takes training rules seriously and trains year-round.
- Mental Toughness: A playmaker never has a give-up attitude. He ignores heat, cold, and pain. He has no excuses for obstacles.
- Psychological Endurance: A playmaker stays with the task until it is finished. He will give his best against top competition. He is reliable and accountable to his team.
The profile of a playmaker makes for a sound leader. He brings a level of intensity that is electric. A playmaker finds energy in making things happen, stirring up the team, and doing whatever it takes to push it to the next level.
A true playmaker leads a team with humility. Arrogance is not a part of the description. Every move made by a playmaker is not for his success, but for the success of his team. He will, above all, model a willingness to serve the big picture rather than improve his own game.
When looking for the playmaker on a team, remember that a true leader knows there is something greater than himself. His leadership creates a unity of trust and reliability, because without trust, there is no team.
