Traditions of Excellence: Nate Brown #SELF-AWARENESS

Hi again Lehigh Fam! In my last article, we shared some insights from Josh Parris who was wrapping up his career at Lehigh. This week, I decided it would be cool to get perspectives on leadership from Nate Brown, a senior on the Lehigh Wrestling squad, who is just starting his season. I have been through many of Lehigh's Leadership Academy programs with Nate, as well as being SAMs (Student-Athlete Mentors) together for the past two years. Through our friendship, it has been evident he is a great example of a leader who has tremendous self-awareness, including a keen understanding about how he best leads, as well as how he is best led by others. Please enjoy the following Q&A with Nate about what it means to be a mindful and adaptive leader!

Much love,
Wags

Wags: How do you define "self-awareness"?
Nate: I define it as being able to examine yourself introspectively, while being able to see the comparison of how you are received and perceived.

Wags: What is the leadership role you usually assume in team settings?
Nate: I do my best to lead by example and try to connect with guys on a one-on-one type role.

Wags: What aspects of leadership come most naturally to you?
Nate: I am naturally outspoken and direct, and I naturally can connect well with teammates. I also really enjoy wrestling, so being on that team and immersing myself in it comes very easily.

Wags: What aspects of leadership do you still feel like you can improve?
Nate: I feel that I can improve on not assuming a teammate's intent based off of their actions. There is a great parable called the Wood Cutter and the White Horse that speaks extremely well about this.

Wags: What has been something you have had to work on to become a more effective leader?
Nate: Working with Julie Ammary and Dr. Jarrod Spencer, have really helped shape me as a leader. They have worked with my weaknesses and turned them into strengths. One of my biggest lessons I have learned is people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Wags: How do you earn respect from your teammates?
Nate: I feel the best way is to be consistent. Consistent effort in training, school, and building relationships can grow the respect in those relationships. Specifically with teammates, having positive results on the mat can help match what you're saying to improve their performance as a verification.

Wags: What coaching style do you best respond to and why?
Nate: I respond best to a positive, goal-oriented coaching style, where the coach challenges me to see how much I can grow. Having the ability to accept failure in order to grow has been crucial in how my coaches have been working with me.

Wags: How would you describe 2011 Nate Brown vs. 2014 Nate Brown?
Nate: I have been extremely fortunate to be surrounded by really good and honest people; I have grown due to them being a constant presence and example. I would say that I have grown a lot and view athletics, academics, and social life very differently. I would hope that as I have grown older I affect people in a more positive manner.

Wags: What is a quote that has inspired your keen sense of self-awareness?
Nate: "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." Proverbs 19:20

Lehigh University Athletics

Traditions of Excellence: Nate Brown #SELF-AWARENESS

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