Immediate Past President : Jimmy Simpson , CSFM

President-Elect : James Bergdoll , CSFM

Secretary-Treasurer : Sun Roesslein , CSFM

Vice-President Commercial : Jeremy Bohonko

Professional Facilities : Nicole Sherry

Academic : Adam Thoms , Ph . D .

Higher Education : Clark Cox , CSFM

Parks & Recreation : Brad Thedens , CSFM

Schools K-12 : Jeremy Driscoll Commercial : Paula Sliefert

At-Large Elected : Scott Thompson , CSFM

At-Large Appointed : Alpha Jones , CSFM

STMA OFFICE P . O . Box 1673 Lawrence , KS 66044 Phone : 800-323-3875 Email : STMAinfo @ STMA . org www . STMA . org

STMA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chair : Brad Thedens , CSFM Technical Editor : Adam Thoms , Ph . D .

Rebecca Auchter , CSFM ; TJ Brewer , CSFM ; Joe Churchill ; Arthur Eddy ; Charles Goode ; Eric Harshman ; John Kmitta ; Cody McKee ; Kelly Rensel , CSFM ; Eric Roberts , CSFM ; David Schwandt ; Chase Straw , Ph . D .

Howdy STMA members ! October is here , and for most of us that means we are now in the prime of the fall sports season , and hopefully a little fall weather ! As part of my own growth process , I am continually thinking about topics and processes that can help me improve both personally and professionally . As such , I ’ ve been reflecting a lot on the topic of leadership lately .

What is leadership ? This question could be asked of 1,000 people and you ’ d probably end up with 1,000 different answers . By definition , leadership is “ the power or ability to lead other people ” ( Merriam-Webster ); but for me it is more personal and goes deeper than that . For most of my life , I have been a lead-by-example type of person , and while that is still my natural tendency , my leadership style has had to evolve . Throughout my career , I ’ ve had the opportunity to work with leaders ranging from very good to very bad , and everywhere in between . Each of them had characteristics that I liked and disliked , and some were more effective than others . I ’ ve tried to draw off those experiences , take what I like , and then find a way to utilize it myself . That doesn ’ t mean it ’ s the same , but that I ’ ve used it to guide me as I ’ ve developed my own leadership tendencies .

I think one of the biggest misperceptions about leadership is that you have to be in a position of authority in order to lead . I have never been one to be defined by my position / title ; and , as such , have never let that dictate my role within any group . In my mind , the single most important role of leadership is to bring out the best of everyone else around you . Whether that is a coworker , an athlete , a superior , or significant other ; when we are helping others grow and reach their maximum potential , we strengthen the world around us .

General Douglas MacArthur

summarized leadership very well when he stated , “ A true leader has the confidence to stand alone , the courage to make tough decisions , and the compassion to listen to the needs of others . He does not set out to be a leader , but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent .”

Leadership isn ’ t always easy or fun , but we all have that strength , and we all have that ability , so let your actions and intent attest to that , and let ’ s change the world together ! SFM

Nick McKenna , CSFM

Nick McKenna , CSFM STMA President nmckenna @ athletics . tamu . edu sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2021 | SportsField Management

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