Spider Leadership Initiative Leaders Of The Week Presented By CapTech
10/21/2020
Tamar Accius
Junior
Women's Track
Champion Leader
Michael Childress
Junior
Men's Golf
Rising Leader
How does it feel to be seen as a leader on your team and in our department?
To be seen as a leader on my team as well as in the athletic department means a lot, many know I have been working hard to better myself and others around me and to be recognized for it just means I'm on the right path and truly making a difference; which is all I want to do.
How does it feel to be seen as a leader on your team and in our department?
It feels rewarding to be a leader on my team and for Spider Athletics. Being a part of such a great community brings out the best in all of us, and I’m very fortunate to be surrounded with such great people
What qualities do you think makes a good leader?
Qualities that make a great leader are being able to persevere through whatever troubles may come their way, being the first to jump into a challenge but also taking the time to be patient and make smart decisions not only for themselves but for others. A leader cannot be afraid to make mistakes, because they understand that it's the only way to learn and find a better way for people that follow. They are not someone that stands on top of everyone else but knows for a better future you must work as one unit with your team.
What qualities do you think makes a good leader?
The best leaders I know are the best listeners. They are not only self aware, but also aware of how their team or community is doing, and are able to respond to these needs. Great leaders put their teams first and take accountability for teams struggles, and lift others up in good times and bad
What are you hoping to work on yourself to become a better leader?
As we all know we are not perfect leaders, there is always something we can work on to better ourselves. Personally, I am working on putting myself aside to hear out others issues to find a common ground. Being on one of the most diverse teams on campus, there are many different backgrounds, personalities and lifestyles coming together, which leads to disagreements. Being a leader you have to step away from your own perspective to understand someone else's point of view so everyone can work together.
What are you hoping to work on yourself to become a better leader?
As I grow and mature as a leader, I would like to improve my ability to read other people on my teams, and be able to respond to their needs without them directly having to tell me. As a part of this, I am always working to be a better listener, so I can help those around me
What are some challenges you have as a leader in different times like we have now with COVID-19?
COVID-19 has definitely shook this year in a major way, taking our season away has made a difference in our feelings towards training. Being a leader I know I must be a stronger and positive piece in the midst of it all but a challenge that I know that all leaders face in this time is trying to be strong enough for yourself and for everyone on your team, it's tough doing it alone, but something I realized is that you may be counted on to be the well built individual but you don't always have to be. We have a team that is not only a sports team but is a family that has our back, as a leader I have learned to use my family through this hard time because I can't make it alone but I can make it with them.
What are some challenges you have as a leader in different times like we have now with COVID-19?
I think right now with COVID-19, the most common struggle among athletes is being comfortable with the unknown, and trying to get the most out of each workout or practice when there aren’t necessarily games or tournaments to prepare for. With that being said though, this is a great time to nurture and develop relationships in the entire athletics department and set ourselves up to achieve higher levels of success once we get the chance to compete again.
