The annoying self appointed leader

We have all met him. Before the game starts he starts screaming out instructions to everyone, expecting everyone to obey him. Annoying and vile, he criticizes you for screwing up. So what do you do?
First of all, if you know that this player is a great player, who has played on the field for more than three years, and has tons of experience on that field, you should probably listen. Experienced players have much to offer, so try to learn as much as you can. Ignore the rudeness and irreverent personality.

If the self appointed leader has not clue what he is doing, just tell him, “My friend and I will take care of the right side.” It’s a nice way to avoid a confrontation.

What if the leader is rude, loud, annoying, wrong, and overly condescending? He yells screams and criticizes your every move. What should you do? Try to avoid this guy and don’t argue with him. If you can, just switch teams. If you can’t switch teams, do your own thing, and just agree with him in pre-game huddles just to avoid confrontation. After the game if he starts criticizing you, just nod and ignore him. Some of these guys can be total asses.

Now, if you have lost a game or two and are beginning to doubt your leaders, relax a little. Why? Sometimes it takes a few games for a team to coalesce, especially if none of the players have played together. Be patient and wait. Also, paintball games are sometimes flukes. You may have just attacked the wrong side, or made a strange mistake. Don’ worry.

What should you do if you are the leader?

First of all relax. The world does not revolve around you. But you may be able to affect change. Use your intuition and treat others like you wanted to be treated. The age old adage from the Bible and Quran about treating people the way you want to be treated plays a big part of how people will react to you.

Don’t be condescending. You know the field, you know how to win on it. But don’t be arrogant and condescending. In most cases, offering suggestions of how to play a field is better than giving direct orders. This means that even if you know you are the best player and that no one else on the team deserves to carry your jockstrap, you still respect them and treat them as equals.

Don’t lose your cool. Blowing your top and losing your cool seriously reduces your reputation. Don’t throw your gun. Don’t attack refs. Don’t take off your mask and go on a rampage. Don’t throw your gun and bunkers or kick them. Don’t break things. Don’t kick your car. Don’t punch anyone or fight anyone. No one likes a hothead. The easiest way to lose respect and become a nobody is losing your cool.

Don’t be rude. This is pretty simple. Bad language, hurtful words or comments, and mean spirited personal attacks are not productive. There is no reason to reduce your teammates to rubbish between games. Who on earth wants to play for a dictator?

Play for the team. Actually play. Don’t sit back and give orders. Get down and dirty. Show the players that you are actually a player and care to win. Have fun.

Revise and retry. If your plan or strategy did not work, be willing to change your plan. Be able rearrange your team and their positions. Admit when things don’t work, and switch it. Play the position that you are good at, so you can better contribute to the team effort.

Following these simple steps can help you avoid problems and have an enjoyable game. Paintball is about having fun. Ignore the ignorant!