Go-Giver Leaders tend to be less interested in taking the stage than they are in giving the stage. They are less concerned about themselves than they are about their team and the individuals who comprise that team.
Rather than, “look how great I am!” they authentically communicate how fantastic those on their team are!
And, they communicate this, not just to those outside of their organization (though they certainly do that), but to the team-members themselves. Not only in what they say, and not just in what they do, but also in who they are.
I love this quote by current Denver Broncos All-Pro outside linebacker (and future Hall of Famer) DeMarcus Ware, as shared on Twitter by future Hall of Famer and past All-Pro wide receiver (now coffee entrepreneur), Rod Smith:
“You don’t inspire your teammates by showing them how amazing you are,
but by showing them how amazing they are!“
And, that, to me, says it all!
Of course, lest we think that this attitude is in any way self-sacrificial, we should note that these types of leaders in the corporate environment tend to have happy and productive teams, and very profitable businesses.
And, I heard somewhere that DeMarcus’ team did pretty well this year, as well! 😉
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Yes, this is an excellent trait of all great leaders. The capacity to accomplish this, however, takes on new significance when the organization is large. As most leaders understand, the maximally effective span of control is around 7 +/-. As such, the second tome of authentic leadership comes into play… “A leader’s greatest job is to create new leaders”. In do so, the ‘building others up’ manifesto becomes a self-perpetuating phenomenon… build a leader who builds other leaders who builds… Culture is a reflection of leadership. if the traits you’ve referenced replicate then the culture is indeed a healthy one.
Mark, thank you for your comments and for sharing your leadership wisdom with us. What you suggested is something that I know you do in your company, and you set a great example for the rest of us to follow. Thanks again!