How Coby Dillard Thinks About Leadership Lessons from Soccer and Other Unlikely Places
Oct 23, 2024
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Coby Dillard, Director of Military and Veteran Affairs at the University of Texas at Tyler, shares his insights on dynamic leadership shaped by his love for soccer. He emphasizes the importance of non-traditional experiences and diversity in hiring, especially for military support roles. Coby discusses how coaching parallels organizational management, stressing adaptability and empathy in leadership. He also highlights the value of humility and learning from mistakes, making a case for humanizing leadership through personal branding and relatable experiences.
Coby Dillard emphasizes that personal passions like soccer can enrich leadership styles by fostering teamwork and community-building.
Effective leadership requires thoughtful hiring practices that prioritize diversity and long-term organizational impact over immediate familiarity.
Deep dives
The Influence of Hobbies on Leadership
Every leader has a hobby that can subtly impact their leadership style, often in unexpected ways. For example, a strong passion for soccer has shaped how one individual approaches team management and interactions with students. Observing different coaching strategies and being part of a soccer supporters' group has provided valuable insights into teamwork and community-building. This perspective emphasizes the need for leaders to recognize and leverage their non-work-related interests as tools for enhancing their leadership approach.
Decision-Making in Leadership
In leadership roles, the selection of team members or staff requires a careful approach that considers long-term impact rather than just immediate familiarity. Drawing parallels from national soccer coaching choices, it's crucial to evaluate the broader implications of hiring decisions, such as how a leader's presence affects not just their immediate team but the wider organization. Prioritizing stability or making safe choices may hinder the potential for growth and innovation within the team. Leaders are encouraged to seek out diverse skills and backgrounds, enhancing the overall effectiveness of their leadership.
Navigating Leadership Transitions
As leaders navigate transitions, it's essential to understand that personnel choices affect not only the individual but also the entire organizational ecosystem. Effective leadership involves recognizing the ripple effects of hiring decisions and how they can influence the various groups served by the organization. For instance, a leader serving a veteran population must consider the specific needs of veterans' families and engage staff members with relatable experiences. This wider lens fosters a more inclusive environment that meets the diverse needs of stakeholders.
Empathy and Growth in Leadership
Leadership is a journey of continuous learning, where reflecting on personal experiences and past challenges can significantly enhance empathy. Sharing stories of past mistakes and struggles can create a more relatable and trusting environment for team members, reminding them that error is a natural part of growth. Prioritizing the development of junior team members by allowing experienced staff to mentor them ensures a sustainable talent pipeline. Ultimately, fostering a culture of growth and emotional awareness leads to a more resilient and cohesive team.
On today's episode of "How Leaders Think," Kenny Lange sits down with Coby Dillard, Director of Military and Veteran Affairs at the University of Texas at Tyler, for an insightful conversation on dynamic and empathetic leadership. In this engaging episode, they delve into the crossover between soccer passion and leadership styles, the impact of non-traditional experiences on leadership, and the importance of acknowledging both successes and mistakes. Coby shares his views on hiring practices that foster diversity and community fit, and the significance of developing talent within teams. They also discuss the parallels between sports coaching and organizational management, emphasizing the need for adaptability and merit-based team selections.
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