Leading The Pack

If you’re lucky, there will come a day in your life when you discover a higher calling.

Beyond my personal pursuit of “success,” nothing has given me a greater sense of meaning than the moment I finally entered the human race. Witnessing the birth of my two children is what reset my goal posts and gave me clarity to what matters in life.

For Fathers, there’s no greater gift and curse than the responsibility and obligations you must endure to provide for, as well nurture your loved ones. Leading the pack.

In my opinion, the best way to lead is to lead by example. To lead our family, we must be worthy of imitation. We must work relentlessly to ensure the examples we set, the behaviours we desire our children to inherit, are the very difficult and steadfast acts of kindness, responsibility, integrity, and discipline that we all aspire to.

Leadership requires an attitude of indifference. A willingness to fail or look stupid. Inevitably, you will face an opportunity in which you must be the one blazing the path forward, without a clear road map or instruction manual. It’s a terrifying task.

To lead successfully, one must be willing and able to adapt. It’s important to realize your mistakes and make amends. Be quick to pull the trigger on self-compassion, rather than shooting yourself in the foot with self-contempt. Anger, with it’s poisoned source and honeyed tip, is never the answer. I’ve made a million fuck-ups and I’ll probably make a million more; raising my voice and screaming at my children to behave with modesty and tranquility while despicably displaying the antithesis of the very actions I was encouraging. Acknowledging my mistakes is the hardest part, but having the courage to reconcile those mistakes is a saving grace. Always, begin again.

Whenever I need an important life lesson or strategy for overcoming my numerous flaws and reset course, I look to the world of sports. Not because athletes should be idolized, but because sports always produce the greatest metaphors for life.

As a student of the game of basketball, I look no further than three of the greatest basketball players of all time: Bill Russell, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Each of them providing a unique case study in leadership.

Let’s start with the greatest champion in all of sports, Bill Russell. Aside from winning 11 NBA championships (both as a player and a coach), Russell was a born leader. Not just on the court, but off the court as well. Coming of age during the civil rights movement, Russell used his platform as an NBA superstar to fight against racial inequality and stand alongside other giants in the sports world, notably Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the fight for civil rights.

On the court, not only was he a transcendent athlete, but he was a cerebral force. Russell had a knack for scouting opponent players and teams, understanding their weaknesses and strengths before tip-off, capitalizing and planning every step of the game accordingly to ensure victory for his team. His approach didn’t stop there.

He also looked inward, at his own team. Studying the tendencies and habits of his teammates, analyzing and learning their blind spots, as well as their best attributes. In doing so, he would adapt his own game to fit the needs of his team.1

In my eyes, this is what makes Bill Russell the ultimate champion and example of a true leader. His versatility and ability to adapt to different circumstances and situations, combined with his willingness and humility to put his teammates in positions to succeed. That’s a tried and tested formula for success.

Lesson for Leaders: Sacrifice is critical for success. Lift those around you.

Our second case involves Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Considered by most, the greatest point guard of all time, Magic had the unique combination of competitiveness and charisma that all leaders strive to emulate. Winning 5 NBA championships in the 80s, Magic’s Showtime Lakers produced some of the best basketball the NBA has ever seen.

Magic understood there were four ways to lead a basketball team. By example. By intimidation. By communication. Finally, by a combination of all three.2

Blending his insatiable drive for greatness with his unique charm and emotional intelligence, Magic mastered the art of inspiring his teammates. Knowing exactly when to insert his dominance as the alpha amongst the group, or demonstrate his willingness to be the hardest working man in the gym, Magic knew that leadership required a willingness to constantly adapt and adjust to different situations.

Lesson for Leaders: Be Friendly. Be Fierce. Push and pull your team forward.

Alas, The Greatest of All Time. Michael’s leadership can be summarized with the following 2-minute clip from the epic docuseries, The Last Dance.3

“You ask any of my teammates. The one thing about Michael Jordan is, he never asked me to do something he didn’t fucking do.”

— MJ.

This is a lesson that’s difficult to learn, and even harder to practice. As a Father with two young boys, I frequently catch myself telling them what to do. When in fact, I need to be showing them what to do. In the end, your kids, your “subordinates,” your teammates, they model your behaviour. It’s the price of leadership. Act accordingly.

Lesson for Leaders: Lead by example. Outwork everyone.

If you’ve made it this far. Thanks for reading.

To all the Fathers out there, try your best and forget the rest. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your little ones.

Lead on. Shine on.

Much love. SG

“PediatRx” is written by Dr. Shawn Gill, PharmD - a pharmacist and Father of two boys. During the day he works as a pharmacist and medical science liaison, specializing in family medicine, respirology and pediatrics, with a special interest in deprescribing and helping his patients reduce their medication needs. At night, he writes this Substack. “PediatRx” is a collection of personal anecdotes and contemplative musings, crafted into a practical “prescription” for parents. The goal is to share insights, foster hope and inspire fellow parents to raise and nurture resilient children, in a post-pandemic world. To support this effort, subscribe below. Many thanks.