We spoke with former Leadership Expert, Diamyn Hall, a former Division I baseball player with a degree in psychology for his tips and tricks to become a better leader on and off the field.
When did you know you wanted to blend your interest in sport with your interest in psychology?
Hall: Toward the end of my career, I realized how impactful leadership coaching and character development can be because I was also a team captain and I know what I studied to become a better leader. I wanted to make sure that my next transition with baseball involved giving back.
What is one of your favorite pieces of advice for team captains?
Hall: People forget your stats but remember who you were as a person.
What’s your favorite piece of advice for anyone wishing to improve their leadership skills?
Hall: We all rise together, but it starts with being willing to lift while we climb. It means you need to lift people up as you climb toward your goals.
You talk a lot about empathy. What’s the best way to cultivate it?
Hall: One of the things I think about a lot is something called the empathy gap. Often, we judge ourselves based on intention and others on impact instead of intention. When it comes to empathy, you have to put yourself in their shoes first — what was their actual intention? — so that you can give others grace. We need to treat others with the same grace we treat ourselves.
You also talk about the concept of emotional contagion. Can you tell us more about that?
Hall: If I’m letting my bad day show, others aren’t just going to see it and feel it, they’re going to take on some of that energy. Leaders need to hold themselves accountable for what their energy is like when they walk into a room. One of the things I do personally is make sure I’m showing up as the best version of myself no matter what.
What does a leadership mindset mean, and how does it help performance?
Hall: A leadership mindset starts with understanding that leadership is influence — nothing more, nothing less. Before you can lead others, you need to be aware of the self.
Who is your personal leadership hero?
Hall: John C. Maxwell. His book “The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization” was one of the best leadership books I’ve ever come across. It’s about how to lead up, across, and down, or younger. Also Jeff Janssen,
What are your go-to movies about leadership?
Hall: “Gladiator,” “Remember the Titans,” “Invictus,” and “The Pursuit of Happyness.”
What’s your mantra — as both an athlete and leadership coach?
Hall: It’s probably something centered around knowing why you do what you do and understanding your purpose, so that you can impact people in a positive way. It’s a message I always come back to.
What are some of your other core beliefs?
Hall: Adversity is always going to be your biggest advantage. Obstacles are always opportunities to improve. Mistakes serve as motivation to progress.
What’s a good way to handle a bad self-confidence day?
Hall: Remind yourself you’ve done great up until that moment — write down all the great things you did to get to that point. Fill up a whiteboard with all the great wins you’ve had in life. We all need to do that more often!
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