LEWISBURG, Pa. — For the seventh year in a row, the Bucknell University Athletics Leadership Institute sent a contingent of student-athletes to the prestigious United States Naval Academic Leadership Conference, which was held last week in Annapolis, Md. The nine Bison student-athletes and three staff members represented Bucknell’s largest group ever to attend the conference.
The 2019 conference centered on the theme “Inside Out Leadership: Know Yourself First”. According to the conference’s website, knowing oneself and playing to one’s weaknesses and strengths is a crucial skill set leaders should have. Understanding one’s own potential can inspire others to get to know themselves thus leading to an organization that can effectively work together to achieve more. Building a team based on characteristics of knowing oneself – like compassion, mindfulness, and forgiveness – means building a team that is cohesive and effective.
This year’s Forrestal Lecture was delivered by Michael Bloomberg, the entrepreneur and philanthropist who later served as mayor of New York City. Other keynote speakers included VADM Nora Tyson, USN (Ret.), Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet; Secretary Gordon England, former Deputy Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Navy; Gen. Peter Pace, USMC (Ret.), 16th Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff; and Horacio Rozanski, President and CEO of Booz Allen Hamilton Inc.
The U.S. Naval Academy has hosted this conference annually since 1984, and since 2002 it has extended an invitation for delegates from peer institutions in the Patriot League, ROTC programs across the country, and many formal leadership education programs embedded in universities and military academies across the globe. More than 300 delegates participate alongside selected midshipmen in various lectures, presentations, and small-group discussions.
A pair of Bucknell men’s water polo players were among the nine Bison to attend the event and offered their thoughts on the event:
RADE JOKSIMOVIC (Jr., Novi Sad, Serbia/Gimnazija Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj)
Being a part of the Bucknell delegate group that attended the leadership conference at the Naval Academy was one of the greatest experiences in my life. The information and the lessons that we have had the pleasure of learning this past week are priceless. Attending this conference has definitely shaped the kind of leaders we are and that will certainly show in the future. The first speaker, Colonel Arthur J. Athens, USMCR (Ret.), Former Director of Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, was my most favorite speaker at this conference. Colonel Athens talked about a difference between selfish leaders and selfless leaders, giving examples for both sides. The two biggest takeaways and concepts that have stuck with me are what Colonel Athens explains as “Sweep the shed” and “Say the words.” The concept known as “Sweep the shed” explains that no matter how big we become, we as leaders, have an obligation to do same thing everyone else is doing. He tells us, “Never be too big to do the small things that need to be done.” This resonates with me and with my previous experiences where leaders that have done so have earned respect of their teammates and their loyalty. This will become one of the main pillars of my leadership in the future, and I will try to remind myself at all times to never become too big to do the small things that need to be done. The concept of “Say the words” refers to being polite and present. By saying the words, Colonel Athens, reminds us that we can never be too big to thank, greet, and appreciate those around us no matter whether they have direct contact with us or are a part of bigger picture. We as leaders need to be aware of people around us, and give recognition to everybody understanding that none of us can accomplish or have accomplished anything on our own.
My second favorite part of the conference was a second panel session with Mike Erwin, Ryan Holiday, and Erin Scruggs. The main concept that underlined their discussion was how to balance on a thin line between confidence, ego, and humility. For me, this is one of the hardest things to do as a leader, where one needs to show that they are confident but also not too confident where people think he became egoistic and full of himself/herself. In order to be confident, one can’t simply have faith in their abilities, but they need to have evidence in themselves, according to Mr. Holiday. This is a hard concept to get your head around as a leader because if we don’t believe in ourselves that we are going to do something, it is going to be really hard for us to achieve it. On the other hand, one doesn’t want to be too confident without evidence of previous success, because that’s where ego takes part. We as leaders also need to possess humility in order to be able to show appreciation and gratitude to the people that are around us and have made everything we have done, possible. Leaders also need to be aware not to get wrapped up in what’s next but instead should lead their team today in order to secure that next tomorrow. Keeping in mind to always lead morally. We as leaders need to accept that moral leadership isn’t always about letting someone continue and giving them second, and third chances, but sometimes you have to let them go in order to move forward. No matter what kind of leaders we become, we need to always keep in mind that reflection is necessary for development and to always look back and ask for feedback in order to become better leaders.
KYLE POLAND (So., Chicago, Ill./Fenwick)
I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend the Naval Academy Leadership Conference. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I can apply to the pool, the weight room, or the classroom. The lessons I gained at the conference are invaluable. I learned that in order to be a great leader I need to learn to be a great follower first. I learned that even though I might not have the leadership title of a captain on my team, I will still have an impact on the team as a leader by caring for all my teammates, going into each practice accomplishing the task at hand, and being humble. What will stay with me the most after the fact is the stories and personal experiences that not only the speakers shared with us but also what I heard in my breakout table. It was amazing to meet peers my age from colleges all across the country and different branches of the military. Listening to what others interpret leadership as has opened my eyes to a different way of leading. There is not just one leader, one captain on a team. Everyone has a leadership role on their team whether that is big or small and has a chance to have an impact on their teammates. I am excited to see how much more I grow as a leader through the rest of athletics and my future career.
Information courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
