Leadership isn’t always about holding a title. In the green industry , it shows up in everyday moments — like who picks up a rake without being asked, who walks the jobsite to make sure tools are secured, or who speaks up when something doesn’t look right, even if it’s “not their job.” These small actions might seem simple, but they often reveal the roots of real leadership.
The sports field management industry is stretched thin, quality leaders are in short supply, and the demand for capable teams keeps rising. It’s no longer enough to promote someone just because they mow and paint the straightest lines. Tomorrow ’s crew leaders, supervisors and business owners need something more — actual leadership skills. Leadership isn’t something you wait to grow into. You start building it now, from wherever you stand.
This article kicks off a series focused on leadership designed specifically for sports field management and the green industry . Over the coming issues, we’ll explore what I’m calling the Eight Stolons of Leadership: Work Ethic, Accountability, Communication , Integrity, Adaptability, Empowerment, Emotional Intelligence, and Vision.
Why “stolons”? Because they are the horizontal stems that grow across the surface — producing new growth wherever it touches down. Leadership in this industry spreads through example; it takes root in behavior; and it multiplies through action. The eight stolons aren’t fluffy buzzwords — they’re practical, proven and powerful when they show up consistently on the job.
Let’s start with the first, and most visible, stolon: Work Ethic. Work ethic is where people notice you first. It’s what they see before you say a word. Showing up consistently, giving honest effort, and owning the quality of your work sends a clear message: “I take this seriously.”
You’ve seen it before. The team member who checks equipment fluids before anyone else arrives. The veteran crew member who stays behind to sweep the shop because they know a clean space helps everyone. The supervisor who still grabs a shovel without hesitation when things get behind. These are the people others look up to — not because they were told to, but because their work sets a tone.
In our world, work ethic isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s the baseline. But when it is elevated, it becomes leadership in motion. It sends a message without ever needing to raise your voice: “You can count on me.”
Author John Maxwell said, “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.” In the sports field management industry, that idea couldn’t be more accurate. Leadership here isn’t about making motivational speeches or sitting in an office. It’s about presence. It’s about setting an example every day.
Whether you’re a crew leader, a supervisor, or even a director, your actions carry weight. When you dig in with the crew, take the extra step, show up instead of checking out.
And for those in entry-level positions? This is your pathway forward. You don’t need a title to start building respect. You just need intentionality. Show up on time. Ask smart questions. Offer help. Keep your eyes open and your ego low. Do the trivial things that others overlook — and do them well. People notice. They always do.
If you’re already in a leadership role, understand your crew is watching. They take their cues from you. If you show up late or cut corners, they’ll do the same. But if you work with pride, keep your word, and hustle with purpose, they’ll mirror that too. Respect your people, yourself and the mission.
Leadership begins when you take ownership of your time, work and mindset. It shows up in how you manage pressure, treat others, and carry yourself each day.
That’s why this first stolon — Work Ethic — is foundational . It’s what everything else grows from, it’s “Where the Game Begins.” You can’t hold others accountable if you’re inconsistent. You can’t demand integrity if your own standards are sloppy. You can’t expect buy-in if you’re not fully bought in yourself.
Lead from where you stand, no matter what your title. Because when you do that, you won’t just be seen — you’ll be followed.
Alpha Jones, CSFM, is an athletic field specialist at Duke University. He also serves on the SFMA Board of Directors as President-Elect. He can be reached at morthangrass@gmail.com.