The leadership qualities that Joe Paterno demonstrates are dedication, perseverance, inspiration, and providing a moral foundation through both academics and athletics. He has devoted himself to the university for 59 years despite numerous opportunities to leave for more money at the professional level. Paterno's strengths would fit the developer and discipline characteristics. As a developer, he sees great potential in all of his coaches and athletes and strives to make them better individuals in all aspects of life. His discipline is allows him to consistently demonstrate to his players that he is a model for them to follow.
Paterno has persevered through stages in his career in which his team had four losing seasons in five years. This created a response among many fans that wanted him to resign or be fired. Websites, t-shirts, fliers, and other propaganda were distributed to fans all over the country to push for Paterno's firing. The school administration provided him the opportunity to prove himself and he responded valiantly. In 2005, Joe Paterno coached his team to a conference championship and a victory in the Bowl Championship Series, Orange Bowl game in Miami, Florida. Since then his teams have had winning seasons in each year including another conference championship in 2008. At the same time, Paterno has maintained his sense of ethics and morality while coaching his student-athletes. He demands that his players represent the university in a respectful and mannerly fashion. His players also contribute to one of the highest graduation rates among student-athletes across the country.
Joe Paterno has faced adversity and criticism throughout his career. In the early days of his coaching, his team did not receive national recognition despite having several undefeated seasons. However, neither he nor his fellow coaches and athletes gave up. Penn State is now one of the elite college football programs and they continue to produce successful teams and develop students into productive members of society.
References:
Rath, T. (2007). Strengthsfinder 2.0. New York, New York:Gallup Press.
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Matt,
ReplyDeleteThere are many coach’s who seem to transfer to other teams in order to make more money or because they lack the skills to bring their team to a winning record. Joe’s dedication and perseverance towards Penn State during the most criticized of times is a great example of being a leader.
I remember Joe’s season of 2005 becuase JOe was recieving negativity from the media and some of his fans. He was a great role model for his players, for he maintained his composure and led them to a successful season. I feel leaders really shine when they maintain composure and focus during stressful times and Joe has done this many of times.
Mike
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeletePerseverence is such a critical trait for leaders to have and it is often overlooked. I am happy that you also found it to be so important. Paterno certainly is an exceptional leader. You have identified numerous characteristics that set him apart from others.
Your discussion of how he treats others was interesting to me. I think that way he treats everyone equally is important. He shows them trust and loyalty and expects the same in return. His many traits has allowed him to overcome the many obstacles which have been placed before him during his 60 years at Penn State. It was very interesting to consider Paterno in this light. Have a great day!
Dave
You mentioned Joe Paterno’s discipline. I never gave it much thought, but he must have tremendous discipline. He has not only worked at one institution for 59 years, but he has done it with tremendous purpose and consistency. During this time he married and stayed with one woman. He is an excellent example of discipline, something young people day desperately need. I believe it was his focus and discipline that got him through the difficult time after consecutive losing seasons. He is a good example of a leader who did not allow outside influence to sway him from his mission and purpose.
ReplyDeleteHi Matt,
ReplyDeleteThe qualities in which Joe dislpays as a leader are extermely important on being an "effective" leader. He not only lead his players to bowl games but he also taught them important lessons, such as winning isn't evrything and that they need to keep trying. He is a great role model for youngsters!
Holly