Informal Athlete Leaders

Characteristics of both formal and informal athlete leaders include skilled performers in central positions who are typically veteran players (Loughead et al., 2014). Masculine leadership theories developed from older generations are not necessarily applicable to this new generation (Fuller et al., 2017). A recent study by Fuller et al. demonstrated that Millennial (described by Fuller et al. as a generation like no other) male college athletes championed socially responsible leadership that seeks “to use their station in life, whatever that might be, to produce positive social change for the common good” (p. 852).

Qualitative research recommends that when formal leaders are chosen by coaches, the critical characteristics of the leader should be aligned with both the coaching staff and team’s identity and embrace the qualities of honesty, generosity, unselfishness, maturity, experience, passion, responsible, and confident (Loughead et al., 2014). From a quantitative research perspective, leaders were found to have strong interpersonal connections with other teammates. And, they were the most talented, skilled, and experienced (Loughead et al., 2014). The results of recent research were not surprising. Team captains and assistant captains (formal leaders) “were often selected based upon their skill level or sport-specific experience” (Crozier et al., 2017, p. 93).

The informal leader emerges over time naturally through positive relationships involving interactions and communications between teammates whereas the formal leader is assigned to a leadership position as part of the organizations leadership structure or chain of