We come from all walks of life -- different journeys taken -- but we all have a story to tell. I speak of the 18 minority males who were chosen to participate in the 2004-05 NCAA Leadership Institute.

As I look back on the route I have taken, the script could not have been written any better. As an athletics administrator, I constantly look for individuals who express the drive, talent and understanding of what needs to be done. I have held many leadership positions and it is important to know who you have as support and who is there as opposition. As a leader, you understand the importance of chemistry.

The one thing that really captured my attention in pursuing a career in athletics administration is that it presents countless opportunities to make a difference in the community and in the lives of student-athletes -- both in the classroom and on the fields and courts.

The Leadership Institute has given me the chance to strengthen and cultivate my skills, while developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with other young, bright athletics administrators throughout the country who share similar aspirations and challenges. That not only helps me to be a better leader, but also a more effective administrator.

A leader's job is to organize diverse people and delegate tasks to accomplish an ultimate, common goal. To be successful, you must have the right people in the right positions. It is all about "the right fit." That chemistry is critical in the people you trust to get the job done, people you respect, people who are truthful to you. Don't be afraid to surround yourself with people who are smart.

Leadership in athletics administration compares to a head coaching position in that it is the coach's job to assign staff and players to best achieve success. Leadership starts with the ability to influence others in joining forces to bring a vision to reality, without compromising integrity in the process.

I am a firm believer that passion is also an ingredient in the leadership recipe. In a position of leadership, you must show competence, enthusiasm, conviction and the willingness to listen. Communication is a vital asset to effective leadership. Leaders must be able to communicate with others to make sure that the goals and objectives are clearly stated and understood by all involved. Leadership also is about the ability to make changes when they are warranted.

I often use self-challenging techniques as a way of professional growth and development. In my own aspirations of becoming an athletics director, I began to develop the thought process of an athletics director. I even look at issues that arise at other institutions as if I were the athletics director making that decision. It does not compare to the reality of the situation, but it gives me an opportunity to challenge myself. Many talk about dreams of becoming the decision-maker sitting in the corner office but lack the necessary willingness to make tough decisions. Great leadership takes initiative, accepts ownership and remains committed to the mission no matter what pressures arise -- all while understanding that pleasing everyone is virtually impossible.

When I think of myself as a leader, I reminisce on the journey I have taken. I had the opportunity to work for and with many types of people and personalities. Although there were times when the only thing in common was our goal, eventually success was achieved. I have been associated with people who I consider to be great leaders, and some people who simply had a different style of leadership. No matter what the situation may have been, I have developed and maintained relationships with those individuals.

When I applied to the Institute last spring, I knew I possessed the qualities of a leader, but I needed to experience different ways of revealing those qualities. I did not know what to expect going into the first weekend of the Institute. I was shocked by the way the session started. It felt as if I had forgotten every leadership quality I thought I had, and I was being rebuilt. It was similar to someone telling me that I had really good leadership traits, but guess what; they can be better, and this is how it can be done.

I was able to walk away from each session with valuable lessons and a wealth of experience. The Leadership Institute has provided me and 17 other athletics administrators the tools necessary to make progress toward our ultimate goals.

So, when your list of qualified candidates is drafted for your next open leadership position, be aware that the members of the 2005 Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males are ready and willing to apply.

Bryant Carter is the assistant director of event management at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.