MORE THAN GRASS WITH ALPHA JONES
Developing Leadership Skills for the Future
By Alpha Jones , CSFM
Some of the things I love about the sports field management industry are the “ go get ‘ em ” and “ get it done ” approaches that so many of us share . It is fascinating to listen to war stories that include these approaches , which are often the cornerstones of successful sporting events played out on the resilience of the playing surfaces and facilities at every level .
These approaches are lead-by-example leadership styles , which have served many well . Leading by example worked well in the past , when completing the job task was the only focus . However , nearly every sport supported by the work of a sports field management crew is seeing changes in the way the sport is played ; the level of competition ; and , most certainly , the venues . These modifications require field management crews to change or adjust to meet evolving demands .
Current and future industry leaders require additional skills to meet the needs of their teams and facility end users : Skills that help create connections for a seat at the planning table ; abilities that educate and inform decision-makers about sports field management needs ; talent that helps identify quality employees ; skills that empower others for team proficiency ; and expertise that affords a work-life balance .
Be careful not to mistake these leadership abilities for management skills . Our sports field management jobs require us to manage — and we are excellent managers . A high percentage of our work is done autonomously or supervised from afar . We employ time management for job tasks , we oversee the maintenance of equipment assets , and we manage the people who work with us . We supervise the coordinated dance routine where these requisites come together to provide safe , playable , aesthetically pleasing playing surfaces and facilities . Leadership is different .
Leadership may involve many of the same responsibilities , but has a different perspective that enlarges our focus area . Leadership is defined as the ability to guide and encourage a group of people toward a common goal ; to influence . Great leaders make it look easy to influence others . We see the results of successful leadership , and may conclude that leading is convincing the group of something and then accomplishing it .
Employees today come from different backgrounds and demographics , and have varying work-life balance needs . There is a greater requirement today than ever before to meet the needs of the people you are leading — while you ’ re leading them . Meeting those needs can boost employee engagement .
Developing leadership skills also adds value to yourself . An effective manager is a greater asset and more valuable to any organization if they have the skills to lead . The size of organizations is shrinking , with fewer middle-management personnel , leaving the highest-ranking decision-makers to rely on others to guide the organization . Develop leadership skills to provide yourself with the opportunity to keep up with innovation and the changing sports environment .
Future industry leaders will lead through anticipation and creation of change ; and they will lead amid increased automation in the industry and the world around it . The ability to make decisions faster will be a must , as will the ability to lead while navigating crises . Future leaders must remain agile through continuous education of technical industry changes . Leaders need to communicate with new and unusual groups ; steer through conflict resolution and employee resistance ; and produce successful work with fewer resources and funding .
Effective leaders also need what are referred to as “ soft ” or “ essential ” skills . These skills are helpful even if you have no intention of becoming a leader . Skills such as communication , decision making and problem solving are used by almost everyone . Effective sports field management leaders must also be skilled in negotiation , conflict resolution , adaptability and critical thinking . The ability to lead relies on guiding and encouraging a group of people or team toward a common goal or goals . SFM
Alpha Jones , CSFM , is director of field operations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers , MiLB affiliate of the Houston Astros . He also serves on the SFMA Board of Directors as professional facilities director . In future installments of this editorial series , Jones will help readers hone their leadership skills and their overall personal and professional development .
32 SportsField Management | July 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com