"The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority," Ken Blanchard I have experienced the difference between an influential leader and an authoritarian leader throughout my high school soccer career. Before my freshman high school soccer season, the upperclassmen felt there needed to be a change in our soccer program. They were frustrated as their past seasons included an authoritarian style of coaching. Although the head coach had assured the team in the past that there would be solutions to their demands; it never occured. In the fall of 2019, when I was a sophomore, we took our concerns to the next level. During the first week of school, a few players and I met with the high school athletic director to explain our concerns and advocate for a new head coach. We expressed the emotional and mental damage he caused to the program with his authoritarian style. This included dictating policies and procedures to us while not listening to or acting on our problems, suggestions, or opinions throughout the season. I took on a leadership role as I wrote multiple letters highlighting his player favoritism, which resulted in multiple disputes between players. I felt proud of how we professionally discussed our concerns with the athletic director. I did not realize that I was beginning to build the skills I needed to become an influential leader. A month later, I received the news of the removal of the head coach. Playing a sport that I passionately love with a selfish, unmotivated style of coaching, emotionally drained me. It is a feeling that I never want to go through again; it is something I think of often. Our new head coach, Coach Townsend, positively impacted our soccer program through a more influential leadership style of coaching. He showed us the importance of listening first, collaboration, and gathering feedback. Taking these extra steps prior to making policies or decisions helped us feel like we were a team and a part of the process. This was a new feeling to all of us as we had never felt that before. Throughout my three years as team captain, I learned from my experience with an authoritarian style leader who did not listen, but merely dictated his demands. I remembered the frustration I felt and it helped me avoid those mistakes. Taking on an influential leader role requires communicating with the team and the coaches to express their suggestions, problems, and opinions to each other. I regularly support others on the team, build unity, and support coaches in making difficult decisions. Ken Blanchard’s quote, “The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority,” reflects on my experiences throughout my high school soccer seasons. Coach Townsend showed me that successful leadership does not rely on authority, but the way one builds trust and respect in relationships. Leading with influence prioritizes players becoming successful and not for the coach to win. Leading with influence is not selfish or individualistic, and that is the leader I strive to be.