Key Leadership Qualities

Effective leadership does not always require great technical or intellectual capacity but it requires attitudes and behaviours which relate to humanity. It is important to grasp that leadership is not about being served by others but it is the role and the opportunity to give; to serve an organisation and other people. (Chapman 1995-2013) There are many great qualities that a leader will use in order to lead his team towards an ultimate goal. Wess Roberts (1992) reported a list of 17 qualities that an effective leader could have, for example compassion, desire, direction, self-confidence and dependability. In the film, Coach Carter shows a variety of skills and qualities that helped him become an effective leader.

1) Direction: Coach Carter had a vision from the moment he took on the role of leading the team. He wanted his entire team to aim high, not only in basketball but in their studies at school too. He did not just give them a goal but he gave them important steps to reach that goal. (Leadership Toolbox, 2008) In the first few sessions with the team Coach Carter set out some ground rules that all of team must abide by and he drew up a contract with practical steps to help all of the team focus and achieve.

2) Self-Confidence: Coach Carter showed the ability and confidence to believe in himself as well as his team. A leader must show self belief if he wants to help other individuals on his team reach the goal. To be this kind of leader it is important to have a good level of maturity, conviction and expertise which leads to having and fulfilling purpose and direction. (Vojta, n.d.) When Coach Carter took on the leadership he had a great vision for what he wanted his team to achieve. This vision was not just for the team as a whole but for each individual student, he made it possible for the students to achieve and grow individually. Coach Carter specifically wanted to better the future of his students through his leadership and example. (Baldock, 2012)

3) Compassion and Sensitivity; Coach Carter used effective communication and listening skills which enabled him to be compassionate and sensitive when in a position of leadership. As a leader it is essential that he is willing to understand the needs and desires of those in his team. (Holden Leadership Center, 2009) Coach Carter showed an excellent standard of communication and listening skills; he took on the position by setting ground rules but in this he did not disuse his power. Coach Carter took the time to consider all of the options and was respectful of the views that the team put forward. When a leader learns to communicate power successfully his team feel motivated, empowered and are confident to contribute. (Yemm, n.d) In the film the team did not grasp Coach Carter’s new rules and goals straight away, many questioned his theory and views, they did not want to cooperate in the way the Coach intended. This caused some friction between all individuals involved. However, Coach Carter was persistent with his original contract and as the film went on change began to happen. Coach Carter took the time to listen to his team members, he was open and respectful and in this he gained the trust and respect from the team.

In the film there were many qualities of leadership that were perceived and these had a positive impact on the team. When a leader shows qualities like confidence and dependability it enables the team players to feel safe and they learn to trust and respect their leader and the decisions he or she makes on their behalf. This film really showed how Coach Carter's qualities were used and valued.