Making the Call: What Officiating Teaches Us About Leadership, Growth, and Resilience
- Mays and Associates Staff
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 25
In every industry—from corporate offices to athletic fields—leaders are asked to make tough calls, manage pressure, and guide teams through uncertainty. Few roles embody this challenge more clearly than sports officiating. The world of officiating offers a powerful lens into leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal development, and its lessons extend far beyond the game.
Drawing from insights shared on episode 23 of the PinLeader™ Podcast with NFL Crew Chief and Corporate Leader Mr. Shawn Smith, we explore the universal themes that define strong leadership and sustainable growth.
1. Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness and Service
Many leaders don’t set out to lead—they grow into it. Leadership often starts with simply doing things the right way, staying consistent, and being someone others can rely on. Over time, people notice.
“I didn’t necessarily see myself as a leader early on. I just became a person that wanted to do things the right way,” said Smith.
A key takeaway from the officiating world is that leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about responsibility. Officials must:
Make decisions under pressure
Manage conflict in real time
Maintain composure when emotions run high
Support and rely on their crew
These same qualities define effective leaders in business, education, and community work. Leadership is less about being in charge and more about being accountable to the people around you.
2. Mentorship Is a Two-Way Street
One of the strongest themes in the officiating community is the emphasis on mentorship. New officials grow because someone invests in them—and because they stay open to learning.
“Being a mentor, I’ve learned just as much from my mentees as they get from me, and I probably get more from them,” said Smith.
Great mentors build what some call a “personal board of directors”—a diverse group of advisors who offer different perspectives, strengths, and experiences.
This approach applies to any profession:
Seek multiple mentors
Learn from people at different stages of their careers
Stay open to feedback
Share what you’ve learned with others
Mentorship accelerates growth, builds confidence, and strengthens entire communities.
3. The Path to Success Is Never Linear
Another lesson from officiating—and from leadership in general—is that there is no single path to success. People arrive at their goals through different routes, timelines, and experiences.
“There’s more than one way to get to where you want to go… don’t be fixated on one route,” said Smith.
The officiating world is full of individuals who started as athletes, teachers, accountants, engineers, or students. Some begin in high school, others in adulthood. Some discover officiating by accident.
The broader message: Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience matter far more than following a predetermined plan.
4. Emotional Intelligence Is a Competitive Advantage
Whether managing a football game or leading a corporate team, emotional intelligence is essential. Officials must tune out noise—literally and figuratively. They can’t afford “elephant ears,” absorbing every comment from the crowd or sideline.
“You can’t listen to everything you hear from the stands. You’ve got to stay focused on the job at hand,” said Smith.
Leaders in any field must manage their own reactions, read the emotions of others, and make decisions without taking things personally.
These skills build trust, reduce conflict, and help teams stay grounded under pressure.
5. Growth Requires Discomfort
Every official remembers their first game—and almost all describe it the same way: uncomfortable, overwhelming, and humbling. But discomfort is a sign of growth.
Smith recalled his own early experience:
“I was a fish out of water. I felt so uncomfortable… but when it was all said and done, I was happy, and I came back.”
His advice for anyone starting something new is universal:
“Don’t be discouraged when things don’t go right at the beginning. Make the commitment to getting better.”
Growth rarely feels good in the moment, but it pays off over time.
6. The Future Depends on Developing New Talent
Across the country, sports organizations face shortages of officials. The reasons mirror challenges in many industries: pressure, criticism, and lack of early exposure.
Smith has seen firsthand how early engagement can change that.
“I try to get them at all the different stages of life… high school, college, just out of college. You never know who might fall in love with it.”
The solution is proactive development:
Introduce young people to opportunities early
Provide training and support
Create safe learning environments
Celebrate progress, not perfection
This approach strengthens workplaces, communities, and future leadership pipelines.
7. Continuous Improvement Is Non-Negotiable
In officiating, the game evolves every year. Rules change. Players get faster. Technology advances. Officials must study film, attend clinics, and constantly refine their craft.
The same is true in any profession. If you’re not actively improving, you’re falling behind.
“If you’re not trying to get better, then you’re getting worse,” said Smith.
Growth is a daily commitment, not a one-time achievement.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Is a Daily Decision
The world of officiating offers a powerful metaphor for leadership: You can’t control everything, but you can control how you show up. Whether you’re managing a team, mentoring young professionals, or navigating your own career path, the principles remain the same:
Stay grounded in your values
Keep learning
Build strong relationships
Embrace challenges
Help others rise with you
Leadership isn’t about making the perfect call—it’s about making the right call for the moment, learning from the outcome, and stepping back onto the field ready to grow.
Listen to the full episode of the PinLeader™ Podcast, Making the Call, to hear more insights from Shawn Smith on leadership, mentorship, and growth under pressure.
Related Podcast
From high school football to the NFL Super Bowl, being the head referee on the field takes strength of character, sharpness through preparation, and a clear understanding of the power of equity and credibility. Host Dr. Shanda Gore is joined by one of the most recognized and respected former football referees Mr. Jerry Markbreit who shares what it takes to be a leader under pressure, what mentoring the next generation of officials means to him, and how effective leaders are shaped both on and off the field.
