Blog 5 Leadership

Leading is defined as the process of arousing enthusiasm and directing efforts towards organisational goals. (Schermerhorn et al. 2011) Great leaders have the ability to build enthusiasm , communicate the vision, maintain momentum and inspire others. Furthermore successful leaders tend to possess some of the following personal traits;

Drive – high energy, display initiative and are tenacious

Self-confidence- trust and confidence in their own ability

Creativity- creative and original thinking

Cognitive ability- the intelligence to integrate and interpret information

Business knowledge- know their industry and technical foundations

Motivation-  influencing others to achieve goals

Flexibility- able to fit the needs and demands of situations

Honesty and Integrity- leaders are trustworthy, honesty and reliable.

Schermerhorn et al. 2011

A sports management professional I personally admire is Andrew Demetriou. Demetriou is the current chief executive officer (CEO) of the Australian Football League (AFL). He has held the position since 2003, and has seen over a number of changes in that time, including the introduction of two new teams in the AFL, the restructure of the tribunal system, and the negotiating of two new television rights deals ( Warner 2007).

Moreover, Demetrious has been responsible for policies on women in sport, supported some of the strongest anti-discrimination policies in international sport and revamped a stronger policy on illicit drug use; and the rewards are there. In February the AFL announced a revenue of $335.8 million from the 2012 season, a record club membership of 614 000 and in terms of game attendance, is Australia’s most watch sport. Demtriou himself is the highest paid CEO of any code with a last year salary of $2.2 million (The Age 2011). 

Furthermore, Demetriou’s negotiating skills are exceptional. Negotiating, is the ability to come to an understanding, resolve a point of difference and gain an advantage over the other party (Law Institute Victoria 2011). These skills come from his ability to plan, with a 5 person strategy team on the AFL board, set up too crunch numbers and model scenarios.

"I don't make any decisions without everything having been thought through, chewed up, sliced, diced, looked at inside out, been criticised”

Andrew Demetriou: The Age 2011

Demetriou’s ability to set the direction, inspire others and create structures has seen exceptional results, for the AFL over the last decade.  AFL has always been a stronghold in the Sothern parts of Australia, though Demitrou’s initaive to expand has seen the game develop in NRL stronghold areas such as Western Sydney, and even South Africa.