Finding the Good Life as a SWALeader

 

Effective Leadership in Our New World

 

by Zachary Paul Hoffman © 2020

 

Cover Design: Francisca Mandiola

 

Editor: Marie O’Toole

 

This book is dedicated to my Mom and Dad, grandparents; all the young players whom I’ve had the pleasure of mentoring; and my coaches, teammates and friends all across Europe who helped, supported and brought me so much joy throughout the years. Your impact on my life will never be forgotten.

 

Special thanks to Coach Roberto Cestari, Coach Aaron Mitchell, Coach Tony Simmons, Coach Dan Miles, Coach Andy Pröller, Taro Netzer, Christopher Mangge, Georg Weigel, and my good friend Jason Cass.

 

Vorrei ringraziare Nicola Salvi, il mio grande amici Frank Visone e Al Fenderico. Anche, Coach Amedeo Carpentieri, Coach Mimo Gentile e le loro bellissime famiglie per tutto quello che hanno fatto per me durante il mio periodo a Napoli. Ti voglio bene a tutti e non ti dimenticherò mai...

 

“Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle.”

 

• James Russell Lowell

 

 

“I don't know what my future holds, but I do know who holds my future.”

 

• Tim Tebow

 

PREFACE

 

It was February 2015, and I was enjoying my fourth season playing American football abroad. A few members of my team and our coach had gathered in my small flat on the outskirts of Naples, Italy, after 5 pm practice for pizza and Peroni beer. It was a surprisingly warm evening, and I remember the high-pitched voices of children playing soccer in the narrow alley below. My fellow American coach and I sat on the sofa enjoying a glass of wine, while we discussed our experience living abroad. He had been playing and coaching outside the United States for fifteen years, and had been to just about every country in the world. I, on the other hand, was simply a young man with no idea about what I would do with my life outside of sports, and I told him as much when he asked about my plans after my football career ended. My coach bit his lip, shook his head, and said the words that have helped shape the man I’ve become: “Zach, you need to start taking leadership of your own life. Football is great while it's here but it won’t last forever; don’t fall into

the trap.”

 

I remember feeling a sudden rush of anxiety and my heartbeat increase. That night, I lay in bed and asked myself, “What did he actually mean by ‘taking leadership of my life’? What was ‘the trap’ he was talking about?” I already assumed I was a great leader who was living a fulfilling life. I finally fell asleep without answers, but when I woke up the next morning it hit me.

 

What had defined my entire existence since I was five years old was going to come to an end sooner than I imagined. I had no identity outside of sports and athletics. I took pride in being a quarterback and leader of my football team, but I had failed to take leadership of my future.

 

My coach’s words opened my eyes, and I knew I had to make some changes and redefine what true leadership was. Little did I know that I would have a long and challenging road ahead.

 

Realization: Leadership isn’t Enough

 

A lot of people lay claim to the title of ‘leader’ simply because it makes them seem qualified for a more prestigious position. However, many fail to understand how effective leadership works, effective being the operative word. In my personal experience, I have seen people hold leadership positions because they were academically qualified, but lacked the skill of effective leadership required to make impact in that role.

 

Throughout this book, you will see terms like developing;, aspiring; and effective leadership. The reason I don’t use the word ‘leadership’ alone is simply because it doesn’t always convey its full meaning and true purpose. The unfortunate reality is that there are a number of people occupying various leadership roles who are ineffective and flawed in their leadership methods. The purpose of this book is to help aspiring, morally driven leaders realize, grow and develop their leadership capabilities as it relates to an ever-changing business culture. You will also see the acronym SWAL throughout this book, and it means ‘Swiss-Army Leadership.’ Just as a Swiss-Army knife is diverse in its functionality, the same must also be true for aspiring leaders in modern society.

 

The SWAL concept is the basis for this book, and is a model I have developed from my 10 years of living and working in 6 different countries. What I have learned more than anything is that people are different; it sounds like a simple realization, but it is crucial to effective leadership. SWAL requires one to dig deeper and not just deal with people at surface level. In order to truly earn one’s respect and trust, it is vital that we understand the importance of using our social skills to reach each individual in a group. The SWAL concept is my solution to achieving effective, modern day leadership by adapting these social skills and using them to leave a legacy and acquire a sense of fulfillment. Implementing the SWAL model will help heighten one's awareness to the different personalities and