A Leader is a Teammate

by John Keyser

A leader, someone who is committed to helping her/his team members succeed, realizes that it’s the team that achieves the goals. Her satisfaction comes from the success and satisfaction of her people.

A leader is not above the team, she is a team member!

Unfortunately, this principle is lost upon many in the corporate world as they are not focused on helping others. Some may be self-absorbed, for others their insecurity stands in the way of wanting others to succeed. They may be accomplished managers, focused on spreadsheets, but they are not leaders.

Leaders focus on their people and results!

In the past, I have written and done webinars about being a good teammate. It’s such an important topic.

Not long ago, I spotted a book by Jon Gordon, The Hard Hat: 21 Ways to Be a Great Teammate. I immediately bought the book as I think highly of the author. I have read several of his books about the importance of positive energy and attitude (not negativity and complaints) in our workplace.

Our attitude has an enormous effect on others, our leadership and ultimately our results!

The Hard Hat is a true story about George Boiardi who died while a senior at Cornell University. He was the captain of their lacrosse team and perhaps the top player in the country. More importantly, he was an outstanding teammate, totally devoted to helping everyone else improve and succeed. He had great humility and cared deeply about others.

I usually do not use sports analogies for business as I believe business dynamics are a lot more challenging. However, the principles in the book, that George Boiardi practiced before his untimely death, are principles that we should practice in our own leadership in our businesses and in living our personal lives.

These are just a few examples of his leadership principles:

• Do it for the team, not your own recognition
• Treat everyone with respect, and expect them to do the same
• Share positive, contagious energy
• Connect with each person
• Show you care and have compassion
• Be loyal
• Hold yourself and everyone else accountable
• Communicate thoughtfully and respectfully
• What is done is even more important than what is said, although what we say is still important

This list does not do justice to the person that George Boiardi was and to his leadership and legacy. I wish I had read the book years ago, as I know it would have motivated me to strive to be a more effective leader.

It is critically important for us to remember that we are teammates. We have the responsibility to help every member of our team to believe in themselves and to help them learn, grow and succeed. That is how we leave a lasting legacy.