Leadership

Our modern view of leadership in business and politics focuses on brash individuals, but true leaders understand the value of serving others

One of the toughest things to teach young athletes is what leadership truly means.

Every season, when it’s time to choose team captains, I sit down with the players and talk about what it actually looks like to lead. Most of them are surprised, even disappointed, to learn that leadership in our program means going to the back of the line rather than the front.

The reason? Too often, players think being a captain is about perks — first on the bus, getting out of grunt work, having the right to criticize others. But in our program, leadership means serving others, not elevating yourself.

In Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life, James Kerr describes how New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, instill humility through a simple ritual called “Sweeping the Sheds.”

No matter how big a star they are, the players clean the locker room after games. This small act of service speaks volumes: it shows that leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about supporting the team and staying grounded.

The best teams I’ve been part of — whether in sports or business — have leaders like this at every level. Some are vocal and out front; others are steady and quiet.

But they all lead in ways that align with who they are, showing that real leadership doesn’t need to be flashy.

Small acts — giving a pat on the back when someone’s struggling, taking time to see things from another’s perspective, or owning up when things go wrong — are what define true leadership.

These behaviors often matter more than big speeches or grand gestures.

As coaches, our hope is that the leadership lessons we teach go beyond high school and stick with these young men for life.

Because too often, society tells us that being a “strong” leader means being hard, demanding, or even harsh. But that’s not what really drives high-performing teams.

Here are six things, however, that effective leaders focus on to help their teams succeed:

• Set Clear Goals and Expectations
  A team can’t hit a target they can’t see. Effective leaders define what success looks like for the team and for individual roles. When everyone knows their targets and the standards they’re held to, they can channel their energy productively. Clarity builds confidence and reduces unnecessary stress.

• Build Trust and Psychological Safety
  People perform best when they feel safe to share ideas, ask questions, and make mistakes. Leaders who create a culture of trust encourage team members to speak up without fear. When everyone’s input is valued, people feel free to take risks and innovate, knowing they won’t be penalized for honest mistakes.

• Grant Autonomy and Ownership
  Empower team members by giving them control over their tasks. Trusting people to make decisions within their areas fosters initiative and accountability. People work harder and care more when they feel they own their piece of the puzzle.

• Recognize and Celebrate Wins
  Don’t wait until the end of a project to acknowledge hard work. Recognize individual and team achievements regularly, even if it’s just a quick “well done” or a shout-out in a meeting. Celebrating successes, big or small, boosts morale and keeps motivation high.

• Invest in Development and Coaching
  When leaders invest in their team’s growth through mentoring, training, or resources, it sends a strong message: “I believe in your potential.” Supporting personal and professional growth keeps people engaged and aligns their ambitions with the team’s goals.

• Model Resilience and Positivity

  When challenges arise, how a leader responds sets the tone for the whole team. Leaders who stay calm, focus on solutions, and maintain a positive outlook inspire confidence. Resilience is contagious, and it helps the team persevere, even in tough times.

But let’s not forget the small, often unseen acts of leadership. These small moments can either make or break a team’s culture. They show people that leadership isn’t always about being in charge — it’s about lifting others up.

Years ago, when I worked at Men’s Health, we had a high-intensity, high-expectation culture. Everyone was focused on excellence, and if you were thin-skinned, it wasn’t the place for you. But one day, at lunch, I saw a different side of leadership.

A few people started talking about a colleague who wasn’t there. The criticism turned personal, and as each person weighed in, it got worse. But then one person quietly spoke up, saying, “Maybe I have a blind spot, but I think he’s a good person who might just be misunderstood.” The entire table fell silent.

That single, gracious comment reminded everyone of the importance of respecting someone who wasn’t there to defend themselves. It was a small act, but it held a mirror up to behavior we weren’t proud of. It was also a reminder that real leadership sometimes means standing up for what’s right, even if it’s uncomfortable.

When I brought this moment up to colleagues years later, they all remembered that moment as a turning point. It wasn’t a senior leader who spoke up, but he acted like one, displaying integrity in a way that echoed for years.

Whether you’re a captain on a sports team or a manager at work, true leadership is about serving others. It’s about being willing to “sweep the sheds,” to do the work that’s not glamorous, and to call people to a higher standard—even if it’s in quiet ways.

A strong team doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built by people who lift each other up, support each other, and do the hard work of communication, empathy, and integrity.

You don’t need to be friends, and you won’t always agree, but you’re united in a shared mission.

Remember that leading by example, even in small ways, can be the most powerful kind of leadership. So go to the back of the line. Do the hard work. Show others that leadership is about what you do, not what title you hold. And watch how it transforms the team around you.

The Best Thing Ever Said About: Leadership

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” — Jim Rohn

Worth a Read

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know, by Adam Grant.

Instead of preaching bulletproof certainty, Grant shows us the benefits of doubt ad how we can get better by embracing the unknown and the joy of being wrong.

A psychologist and prolific author, Grant’s evidence shows that successful leaders are not attached to one identity, but are constantly willing to rethink their views, solicit feedback, and reorder their priorities.

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Please feel free to contact me at bstump@wellmadecreative.com.