If someone asked you to provide the characteristics of a "great leader," what are some adjectives that come to mind? Maybe words such as confident, intelligent, compassionate, or strategic would result from your quick brainstorming. What if you then were told to share some examples of people who you would consider to embody the ideals of leadership? The most common responses probably would include men and women like President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Vince Lombardi, Mahatma Gandhi, or even Oprah Winfrey. Strength and leadership are valued characteristics in our society, so the names of those who blaze paths for us come easily. We look to our leaders for guidance, advice, and comfort and wonder how we could come to personify the same traits that they seem to carry so effortlessly. This desire to learn the art of leadership is now a course of study on college campuses that is growing in its popularity every year.

A search of the offerings that an interested student could pursue results in the discovery of programs in organizational leadership, educational leadership, recreation leadership management, and simply leadership itself. Why is there such a variety of offerings in a field that was largely overlooked as worthy of a college degree only a decade ago? Our technological age has produced amazing advancements and discoveries that have bettered society in countless ways. However, unfortunate side effects of our own efficiency just may be a decline in the art of developing personal relationships and long-term teambuilding. People who are able to motivate themselves and others in this fast-paced world are becoming increasingly valued members of our companies, colleges, and professional organizations.

One arena that naturally lends itself to modeling the principles of leadership is that of professional athletics. On the field or court, there are always a few players who emerge as the natural leaders of a team, and everyone else plays their supporting roles accordingly. The organizations that achieve this model most effectively are the ones that win championships. On the sidelines, a coach who can motivate his men to tackle harder, jump higher, run faster, and simply give a little more than their bodies thought possible will be rightfully honored as a great leader. Even in the front office, the example set by the owners creates a philosophy of accomplishment and high expectations that trickles down to every member of the organization.

A new course offering at West Virginia University presents the current issues in leadership studies using the lens of sports environments and then extends the perspective to apply these theories to other situations. The course was designed by an alumnus of the university, Christopher Franklin, who is the founder and CEO of Titan Financial Services, Inc. His company specializes in working with professional and retired athletes to help them achieve financial security well past their playing days. Franklin has published his keys to personal and professional success in his book Access Now and now combines these lessons in leadership with his knowledge of the world of sports for the benefit of his alma mater. Students will explore definitions of leadership, leadership styles, how to lead in change and problem-solving, and use the acquired information to develop a strategic leadership plan.

To learn more about Christopher Franklin or Titan Financial Services, Inc, please visit www.christopherfranklinonline.com or email Mr. Franklin tfs@christopherfranklinonline.com.