The (Bad) Leadership Lessons of Novak Djokovic

Global tennis great Novak Djokovic has been the world #1 men's tennis player for more than 350 weeks.

That should make him a leader.

But the latest scandal involving his visa for the Australian Open and uncertain actions before arriving in the country has led to a fundamental questioning of his behaviour.

Is Djokovic really a leader - an example for his peers and a worthy ambassador for his sport?

If he were CEO of a high-flying startup or a C-level executive at a Fortune 500 company, the answer would almost certainly be:

NO


Leading by example

World-class tennis players are an independent bunch. For the most part tennis is, of course, an individual game. Everyone is out for him- or herself.

So how can you be a leader in a sport where there are no teams?

You set a stellar example.

Djokovic has a massive fan following to be sure. But great success and a ruthless efficiency on the court has also bred many detractors - and haters.

As a record-beating, number 1 player - Djokovic has an opportunity to push the entire sport forward by his example. In fact, this is the most effective way he can support those around him: by being a golden example of sporting excellence, hard work and dedication.

Unfortunately, with his latest escapade in Australia, Djokovic has showed a very bad example. He has reinforced the idea that those at the very top believe that they can circumvent the rules that are - ostensibly - made for everyone. Another (again, unfortunate) example of this is Credit Suisse Chairman António Horta-Osório, who reportedly violated quarantine rules on multiple occasions.

If he were CEO (or yes,chairman) of a top company - it would be quite natural to call Djokovic's leadership into question.


Attention to detail

Part of the controversy surrounding Novak Djokovic's conduct in Australia has to do with the details provided in his visa.

First there was information that he had received an exemption to play in the Australian Open. Then details surfaced regarding a previous coronavirus infection. Finally, it came to light that Djokovic has held public engagements even after testing for a possible infection.

Nothing was particularly clear. And the result? Confusion - and growing suspicion.

Leaders who aspire to deliver great results and lead large teams, no matter what the domain, have to have a certain level of attention to detail.

This was a clearly important point in Amazon's famous leadership principles.

To quote:

Dive Deep
Leaders operate at all levels, stay connected to the details, audit frequently, and are skeptical when metrics and anecdote differ. No task is beneath them.

If Djokovic would desire the respect and admiration - and even an occasional break or two - he cannot be lax on the details.


A lack of integrity

Great leaders lead by example - as mentioned above. They are also consistent.

As boring as it may sound, the result of being always the same is a strong level of trust and a strong equity that can be very valuable in the long run.

By portraying himself (perhaps unintentionally) as a man who considers himself to be above the rules, Djokovic has torpedoed his integrity. He may train on the tennis court for hours on end, he may do more weight training and more spring exercises than anyone in the world - but that level of dedication does not match with his actions in this case.

Now he faces a hard knock and even less tolerance than before because he lost his integrity.

Leaders who jump over fences and break rules which are aimed at everyone can end up in the same boat.

In order to lead effectively, there must be:

a) Consistency of results

b) Consistency of actions

c) Consistency of attitude

Always.