Dynamics Of Power And Leadership: Lessons From A Baseball Career

Colin Davis, Organizational Behavior Professor, Y.H. 29 March 2024 The Dynamics of Power and Leadership: Lessons from a Baseball Career The concept of power stems from control over a resource or position, which gives an individual or group the capacity to influence others. Power can be gained through several ways, formally or informally. In my life experience, I have combined the two power capabilities during my baseball career. As a four-year starter, playing on my varsity baseball team I encountered formal power. Playing shortstop, my role was to be the leader of the infield and make communications to the outfield. Therefore, I had legitimate power and authority over my teammates in certain scenarios, like telling them where to shift or relaying

Informally, I gained power through being an expert in fielding. I was unique, fundamentally and statistically better than everyone else. Also, I was a referent. My teammates admired my work ethic so much that it inspired them to work harder as well, such as going to the gym with me or staying late after practice to get extra work because they had seen me doing these things. We have all become self-motivated. In turn, our team incorporated McGregor's Theory Y. Instead of the authoritarian, tight control of Theory X that most baseball coaches implement, our team was player-focused and was achieved by enabling, empowering, and giving responsibility to the players. The relationships I had with my coaches, as well as my teammates, all contributed to the interplay of power, leadership, and organizational behavior. Description of Baseball Career In my freshman year, I made the Varsity baseball team. Unfortunately, Covid happened, and we couldn’t have a season. Sophomore year is where things change. I worked hard and batted.350 for the season. In addition, I started at shortstop, and we won our district championship, as well as placing 4th in the

I felt that since I had already assumed power, there was nothing that could take it away from me, even a declining work ethic. Transition to Power-Corrupting Behavior. My declining effort was shown in other indicators. I became more laid back on how early I would show up to practice, and if I would stay after to get extra work in. Instead of showing up on the agreed upon 15 minutes early, I felt that 5 minutes early was enough. I cut corners, literally. One time I took a one-way street to get to practice earlier, and I got caught. My excuse was “My coaches have done it”, which was the worst thing I could have said. Not only was it not true and I was trying to cover for myself, but the word got back to the head coach. I vividly recall my coach verbatim, “What kind of person are you?”. What example are you trying to make of your coaches, and why would you pin your mistakes on us?” I felt horrible about the situation and pondered why I would say such a thing. After learning about power corrupting course concepts, I now know the answer. I let my position of power corrupt my behavior and my mental approach to baseball. I felt untouchable, as if nothing I could do was