Paul Rabil, former lacrosse star and co-founder of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), has a clear philosophy when it comes to leadership: Top executives must remain hands-on.
Speaking about the leadership qualities he has seen in both sports and business, the 38-year-old, who holds the all-time scoring record in professional lacrosse and is a two-time world lacrosse champion with Team USA, said: luck In Stagwell Sports Beach In Cannes: “We don’t want to hire people to direct traffic. We want to hire people to build traffic lights.”
For Rabel, known as ‘Lebron James Lacrosse Player“The best leaders are those who are willing to be involved in the day-to-day operations, even as they rise in rank.
“Often, when senior executives move up, they start delegating more. I understand the balance: You’re managing your team, so you have to be really effective. But I’ve seen a lot of talented executives stop doing the work,” he said.
Along with a strong work ethic, Rabil believes that empathy is crucial to leadership. “A compassionate, empathetic leader is someone people want to go to work for, especially when they see you doing the work.”
waive the work key
Rabil’s reflections on leadership are inspired by his experience transitioning from professional athlete to businessman.
He co-founded the PLL with his brother Mike, while still playing professionally, an unusual move for an athlete.
The league, which has radically changed the traditional lacrosse model, has forced Rabil to adopt a more business-oriented approach while continuing to channel the competitive instincts that have driven his athletic career.
“Sports are binary — you either win or you lose,” said Rabil. “But in business, compromise is key. If you negotiate hard and win a deal, the other party won’t want to renew, and that’s a loss for everyone.”
He describes this approach as a “competitive compromise,” a balancing act between maintaining the discipline of the athlete while recognizing the collaborative nature of business.
How Loss Led to Ultimate Lacrosse Victory
Rabil’s understanding of resilience comes from his own athletic career. Although he has won championships at every level, his losses have shaped his mindset.
“Losing the college championship my senior year at Johns Hopkins and losing the world championship with Team USA to Canada were two of the most formative moments for me,” he said. “Each time I recovered from a heartbreaking loss, I gained more courage and deeper reflection.”
Inspiration from Michael Strahan, David Beckham and John Cena
Despite his success, Rabil admits he suffers from imposter syndrome — another trait he says is common among athletes and business people. “I think a lot of us feel like we haven’t reached our goal yet,” he says. “That’s part of our motivation.”
Rabil draws inspiration from other athletes who have successfully transitioned into new fields, such as Michael Strahan, David Beckham, and John Cena. “What John Cena has done — going from professional wrestler to actor to fluent Chinese — is incredibly impressive,” Rabil said. “And Michael Strahan has gone from a solid defensive lineman in the NFL to a host Good morning America “It shows the kind of diversity that inspires me.”
Rabel’s Tips for Success
As for advice for the next generation, Rabil encourages creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, values that are integral to PLL’s culture. “There is no such thing as a bad idea. I’ve found that challenging the status quo and thinking creatively has led to our greatest accomplishments.”
Examples of Rabil’s innovative thinking in the PLL include offering players stock ownership, competitive salaries, and better media coverage. The PLL also introduced a tournament-like format, reducing costs and increasing broadcast opportunities.
Looking ahead, Rabil is focusing on balance. “I keep taking breaks, breathing, and focusing on nutrition and fitness,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical and mental health. “The journey continues.”
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