“When a team manager dons a jersey to play, they become just another player on the field. They must be prepared to face the same challenges and criticisms as their teammates, leaving their managerial authority off the bench.” -Abiodun Lasile DL MnbR
Once upon a time, in a small Orunto village nestled between rolling hills and lush green forests of Enlonka, there was a renowned soccer team known for its exceptional skills and teamwork. The team’s manager, Coach Adisa, was a wise and experienced leader who had guided his team to numerous victories. He was respected by his players for his tactical genius and motivational speeches.
One day, Coach Adisa had an idea. He decided that he would join the team on the field for a crucial match, donning a jersey and playing alongside his players. The team was surprised but also excited to have their coach on the field.
As the game began, Coach Adisa quickly realised that being a player was not as easy as he thought it would be. He struggled to keep up with the younger players’ speed and agility. The opposing team took advantage of his weaknesses and scored goal after goal.
The crowd began to murmur, and the players started to get frustrated. Coach Adisa’s tactical decisions were now being questioned by his own teammates. He was no longer the respected leader on the sidelines; he was just another player on the field.
As the game progressed, Coach Adisa faced criticism from the fans, his teammates, and even the referees. He realised that when he put on the jersey, he left his managerial authority on the bench. He was no longer above criticism; he was just another player, subject to the same challenges and scrutiny as his teammates.
Despite the struggles, Coach Adisa persevered. He worked tirelessly to improve his game, and slowly but surely, the team began to rally. They scored a few goals, and the crowd’s morale lifted.
In the end, the team lost the match, but Coach Adisa gained something much more valuable. He learned a profound lesson about humility, teamwork, and leadership. He realized that a true leader must be willing to get their hands dirty, to take risks, and to face challenges head-on.
From that day forward, Coach Adisa approached his role as a manager with a newfound sense of empathy and understanding. He knew that his players faced challenges on and off the field, and he was better equipped to motivate and guide them.
The quote “When a team manager dons a jersey to play, they become just another player on the field” became a mantra for Coach Abayomi and his team. It reminded them that leadership is not about authority, but about humility, hard work, and a willingness to learn.
Years went by, and Coach Adisa’s team became one of the most successful teams in the league. They won championships, but more importantly, they developed a strong bond and a deep understanding of what it means to be a team.
And Coach Adisa never forgot the lesson he learned on that fateful day when he donned the jersey and became just another player on the field. He carried that lesson with him for the rest of his career, inspiring his players and his fellow coaches to be better leaders and teammates.
The story of Coach Adisa and his team serves as a reminder that true leadership is not about power or authority, but about humility, empathy, and a willingness to learn. When we put on the jersey, we leave our titles and authority on the bench, and we become part of the team, subject to the same challenges and criticisms as everyone else.
The SixthSense is when someone in a position of authority, like a team manager, steps into a more vulnerable role, like a player, they should be prepared to be treated accordingly. The image of the bench being outside the pitch is a powerful metaphor for the boundaries between different roles.
I think my “wisdom nugget” could be applied more broadly to situations beyond sports. For instance, in business or politics, leaders might face similar challenges when they try to take on different roles or personas. My quote could be a reminder that actions have consequences and that leaders should be aware of the potential risks and challenges when they step out of their usual roles.
