There have been many leaders in our history that inspire others to do things they never thought possible. One of those leaders is Jeremy Lin, former NBA player for the New York Knicks and many other teams. He is an asian American player who went against the odds and the stereotypes to become one of the best players in the NBA. He had to work twice as hard, just to get to the same place as everyone else. Jeremy Lin over the course of his career has shown people that anything is achievable regardless of the stereotypes put in place to prevent success. Growing up, his family was focused on God first, education second, and athletics third. Most professional athletes will tell you that their sport has been the most important thing to them their entire lives. Jeremy Lin redefined what it meant to be a professional basketball player in the United States as an asian man. His coaches at Harvard commented how diligent and dedicated Jeremy was to the game. He also faced a lot of backlash and negative comments when playing at the other Ivy league schools in regards to his race.
One of the biggest leadership styles that comes to mind in regards to Jeremy Lin is the Transformational Leadership style. This style is concerned with emotions, values, ethics, standard, and long-term goals. These leaders inspire followers to accomplish more than what is usually expected of them. Jeremy Lin had long-term goals, and encountered a lot of mishaps while maneuvering the NBA. It’s the fact that he stayed so dedicated after being rejected that really shows the qualities he has as a leader. I know there are people who look up to him for being the first asian American man to do what he did, and show people that with hard work and determination anything can be done. I think the story of Jeremy Lin is one of the most interesting things we have seen in a while, and this comes at a time in the United States where asian individuals are being targeted just for being themselves. At a time where asian people are being targeted by others, it’s important for people like Jeremy to do what he does to show others that anything can be done. He was also racially hated against, and had to move past it and be stronger in order to get where everyone else is. He is a class act and an inspiration to many people not just in the United States, but throughout the whole world.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus (2021). PSYCH 485, Lesson 10: Team Leadership [Online Course].
I concur with your assessment that Jeremy Lin has the characteristics of a transformational leader. Lin is a thoughtful and eloquent speaker, able to rouse emotion in the public by explaining the struggles and racism he has experienced throughout his life. Through his speaking he projects a confident and morally-driven image, especially because he is choosing to speak-out about uncomfortable topics, and call-out racist professional athletes who aim to intimidate and undermine Lin’s own professional success. Now that Lin’s rhetoric and image are becoming more closely followed—and appreciated—his fans and followers are bonding with Lin through what they now know to be leadership. When Lin first arrived to the NBA he was considered a novelty, but now that fans and followers have watched his play, heard his words, and responded positively, Lin is developing a reputation as a visionary. Lin speaks for a future NBA where the athletes and staff of the professional teams have respect for all players regardless of their national or ethnic heritage.
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.