Power and Aggressiveness · Dimension 20 of 20

Power

The motivation to influence people, accept authority and provide leadership—using responsibility and judgement to support team performance.

LeadershipInfluenceAuthorityResponsibility

20of 20 dimensions

Explore the SPQ20 →

Understanding power

Leadership turns influence into coordinated, responsible action.

Power in sport is an interest in having influence, accepting authority and taking leadership responsibility. It may be expressed formally through captaincy or informally when an athlete sets standards, communicates direction and helps others respond.

Effective leaders do more than give instructions. They understand teammates, represent the group, connect players with coaches and make decisions that support collective performance. Their influence depends on credibility, consistency and trust.

Power can be used constructively or poorly. Controlling behaviour, self-interest and status-seeking can reduce openness and initiative. Responsible leadership uses authority in service of the task, the team and shared standards.

Dimension video

Watch: Power and leadership in sport

Explore how athletes can use authority, voice and influence to serve the team and improve collective performance.

Power and leadership in sport

Watch on YouTube ↗

Why it matters

Responsible power gives teams direction, representation and shared standards.

Direction and coordination

Leaders clarify priorities, communicate decisions and help the group organise itself during changing situations.

Standards and culture

Consistent behaviour shows what the team values and makes expectations visible in training and competition.

Representation and connection

Captains provide a voice for players and connect the team with coaches, officials, supporters and the wider community.

How power may appear

Look for patterns, not labels.

When power is used effectively

Accepts leadership responsibility rather than seeking status alone
Puts team success ahead of personal recognition
Communicates direction clearly and listens to other voices
Sets consistent standards through personal behaviour
Uses authority fairly and remains accountable for decisions

When it may need development

Avoids responsibility when the group needs direction
Seeks control, visibility or status more than team benefit
Gives instructions without listening or explaining
Uses authority inconsistently or favours particular people
Feels threatened by challenge, feedback or shared leadership

Balance matters: leadership does not always require taking control. Effective leaders know when to direct, consult, support or step back. Teams often benefit from several leaders contributing different expertise rather than one dominant voice.

Developing responsible power

Six practical ways to become a more effective sporting leader.

Understand the captain’s role

Clarify responsibilities to teammates, coaches, officials and the wider organisation rather than relying on the title alone.

Put the team first

Test decisions against collective performance and wellbeing, especially when personal recognition or preference is involved.

Listen before directing

Gather relevant views, ask questions and make sure quieter teammates have opportunities to contribute.

Communicate with clarity

Explain the purpose, required action and ownership. Check understanding rather than assuming the message was received.

Model the standard

Demonstrate preparation, effort, respect and accountability in ordinary situations as well as visible competitive moments.

Share leadership

Use teammates’ expertise, delegate responsibility and support other people in developing confidence and influence.

Complete a captaincy review

Review one recent leadership situation. Identify what the group needed, how you used authority, whose views you heard, what effect your behaviour had and what you would repeat or change. Ask one teammate and one coach for specific feedback.

Explore the SPQ20 ↗

Power in practice

Use authority to make the team stronger, not more dependent.

Effective captains provide a clear voice while developing other people’s ability to think, communicate and take responsibility. Leadership is strongest when the team can function well without waiting for one person to solve every problem.

Influence is earned repeatedly through competence, fairness and service. Formal authority may secure compliance, but sustained trust depends on whether people experience the leader as consistent, credible and committed to the group.

“A hockey team needs a voice—especially between the coaching staff and the players.”

Mark Messier · Ice hockey player

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”

Simon Sinek · Author

Discover your profile

Find out where you stand on Power and leadership.

The SPQ20 measures Power alongside 19 other personality and mental-skill dimensions to provide a connected picture of your mental game.

Assess my mental game ↗Learn about the SPQ20