WoW Wednesday​

As the MLB playoffs get underway, we look to the heroes of the diamond for inspiration. And who better than The Sultan of Swat himself? (Even if, for those of us with a sense of history, we know that Babe Ruth is forever a Red Sox at heart—before he became a Yankee legend).

This week’s wisdom comes from the Great Bambino on overcoming your inner critic:

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” — Babe Ruth

🧠 The Leadership Lesson: Courage Over Comfort

In business, “striking out” is fear of rejection, failure, or public misstep. Ruth’s quote is a mandate for courageous leadership, urging us to embrace the high-stakes swing rather than settling for a safe bunt.

Here is how leaders apply this quote every day:

• 1. Innovation vs. Paralysis (The Strategic Swing): The fear of launching a new product, process, or market strategy that might fail (striking out) often causes organizational paralysis. A courageous leader views failure as the fastest, cheapest form of market research. Instead of waiting for a 100% perfect strategy, they champion the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), knowing that early, small-scale failure provides immediate, actionable data to pivot or persevere. Staying safe means guaranteeing stagnation.
• 2. Difficult Conversations (The Tough At-Bat): Leadership requires confronting hard truths. This includes asking for a significant resource investment, delivering crucial negative performance feedback, or challenging an executive’s flawed vision. The fear is of a negative “strikeout” response (rejection, conflict, or even an employee quitting). A leader who internalizes this quote prioritizes organizational clarity over personal comfort. They initiate the conversation, knowing that honesty is a duty, even when the outcome is uncertain or uncomfortable.
• 3. Team Empowerment (Letting Others Swing): Micromanagement is often rooted in a leader’s own fear of proxy failure—the fear that their direct reports will strike out, reflecting poorly on the leader. Great leaders adopt Ruth’s mindset by delegating major responsibilities and granting true autonomy. They clearly communicate the objective, provide the resources, and then step back, thereby creating a culture of psychological safety. This empowers team members to take calculated risks and fosters confidence that the leader has their back, regardless of the outcome.
• 4. Setting Audacious Goals (Aiming for the Bleachers): Leaders often limit goals to what is immediately achievable to ensure a high success rate. Babe Ruth didn’t just aim for base hits; he aimed for home runs. Applying this to leadership means establishing “stretch goals” or “BHAGs” (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) that initially seem impossible. This challenges the team’s assumptions, forces creative problem-solving, and prevents the complacency that comes from constantly achieving “easy” successes.

Leadership, like baseball, is a game of probability. The best hitters in the history of the game failed far more often than they succeeded, but they never let the fear of that one failed at-bat keep them from swinging for the next win. Today, choose courage, step up to the plate, and give your biggest idea the swing it deserves.

📚 Book Recommendation for “Swinging Big”

To fully embrace this idea, I recommend:

“The Obstacle Is the Way” by Ryan Holiday

This book, rooted in the philosophy of Stoicism, perfectly complements Ruth’s quote. It teaches you that what blocks your path is actually the way to your success.

• The Connection: Fear of striking out makes the obstacle (the pitcher) seem unconquerable. Holiday shows you how to adjust your Perception (see the failure as a test), take Action (swing the bat), and have the Will (keep swinging tomorrow). The book provides a practical mental operating system for turning the inevitability of failure into your greatest advantage.

Lou Holtz, the legendary football coach, once said, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

This isn’t just a quote for the sports world; it’s a powerful and practical framework for anyone in a leadership role. It breaks down the essential components of success into three distinct, yet interconnected, pillars. As leaders, we’re not just measured by what we know, but by our capacity to inspire action and cultivate a resilient mindset in ourselves and our teams. This week, let’s explore how this timeless wisdom applies directly to effective leadership.

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1. Ability: The Foundation of Competence

This is the raw material of leadership. Ability is your knowledge, skills, and experience—the technical and strategic expertise that qualifies you for the role. It’s the baseline, the non-negotiable set of competencies that prove you’re capable of navigating complex challenges. It includes everything from your formal education and certifications to your hands-on experience in a specific industry.

• In action for a leader: A leader’s ability is demonstrated by their capacity to create a compelling strategic plan, analyze market trends to inform key decisions, or manage a project budget with precision. It’s the reason you were chosen for the job, and it’s what gives your team confidence in your direction. Without a solid foundation of ability, a leader lacks credibility.

2. Motivation: The Catalyst for Action

Motivation is the engine that transforms potential into performance. You can have all the ability in the world, but without the drive to act, nothing gets done. For a leader, this pillar has two parts: your own personal drive to achieve and, more importantly, your capacity to ignite that same fire in your team. A great leader doesn’t just delegate tasks; they inspire a collective desire to succeed, connecting individual efforts to a larger, shared purpose.

• In action for a leader: A leader who understands motivation doesn’t just tell their team what to do; they empower them. This means setting clear, compelling goals and providing the necessary resources and autonomy for people to achieve them. It’s about recognizing achievements, offering constructive feedback, and fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and their contributions matter.

3. Attitude: The Multiplier of Success

While ability gets you in the door and motivation gets you moving, attitude is what determines the quality of your work and the resilience of your team. This is the mindset you bring to every challenge. It’s about your resilience in the face of setbacks, your optimism during tough times, and your willingness to learn and adapt. A positive, growth-oriented attitude can turn a capable but unmotivated team into an unstoppable force. It’s the secret ingredient that makes good teams great.

• In action for a leader: During a difficult project setback, a leader with a strong attitude doesn’t dwell on the failure. Instead, they focus on what can be learned from the experience, rally the team with a positive outlook, and maintain a calm, confident presence. This attitude is contagious, shaping the entire team’s culture and elevating everyone’s performance, even under immense pressure.

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A Reflection on Leadership and College Football

Thinking about Lou Holtz, it’s clear how this quote shaped his legacy. He could identify a player’s raw ability, but his true genius was in motivating them to execute and instilling an unshakeable attitude that led to championships. Great leadership, whether on the field or in the boardroom, is about developing all three of these pillars—in yourself and in your team.

In leadership, as in football, success is rarely a straight line. It’s a combination of talent, drive, and the right mindset. By focusing on ability, inspiring motivation, and cultivating a winning attitude, we can lead our teams to achieve far more than they thought possible.

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Book Recommendation

For a deeper dive into this topic, I highly recommend “Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us” by Daniel H. Pink.

Why it’s a must-read: Pink challenges the traditional carrot-and-stick model of motivation. He argues that for complex, creative work, intrinsic motivation—the desire to do things for their own sake—is far more powerful. He introduces three key elements of intrinsic motivation:

• Autonomy: The desire to direct our own lives.
• Mastery: The urge to get better and better at something that matters.
• Purpose: The yearning to do what we do in service of something larger than ourselves.

This book provides a modern, science-based approach to understanding how to cultivate motivation and create an environment where a positive attitude and peak performance can thrive.

Unfortunately, we’ve all heard the story: a talented colleague leaves a fantastic company, not for a better job, but to escape a toxic leader. It’s a tale as old as the corporate world itself, and sadly, it’s still playing out in workplaces today. Despite a growing awareness of the importance of company culture and employee well-being, many organizations continue to struggle with “bad bosses” who undermine morale and drive away their most valuable people.

This week’s quote from Simon Sinek addresses it head on: “Leaders with toxic behaviors thrive on controlling people instead of inspiring them.”

Toxic leadership is a pervasive issue that can manifest in many forms, from overt bullying and public humiliation to more insidious actions like micromanaging, creating a climate of fear, or undermining team members behind the scenes. This constant need for control stifles creativity and prevents employees from taking ownership of their work. Instead of building a supportive environment where people feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes, a toxic leader prioritizes their own power and perceived authority, often at the expense of their team’s mental health and well-being. This can lead to high turnover, burnout, and a complete lack of innovation within an organization.

True leadership, in contrast, is an act of service. It’s about empowering your team and trusting them to make decisions. It’s about providing the resources and support they need to succeed, and then getting out of their way. Great leaders understand that their success is directly tied to the success of their team, and they find fulfillment not in controlling others, but in watching them grow and achieve their full potential. They see their role as a mentor and guide, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued, and where collaboration is celebrated over competition.

How to Avoid Being a Toxic Leader (and How to Change If You Are)

• Listen more, talk less. Instead of dominating conversations, make it a practice to actively listen to your team’s ideas, concerns, and feedback. Ask open-ended questions like, “What are your thoughts on this?” or “How do you think we can solve this problem?” and genuinely consider their input. This shows respect and encourages a culture of psychological safety.
• Give credit where it’s due. When a project succeeds, publicly and genuinely acknowledge the specific contributions of each team member. Avoid using “I” when talking about team achievements and use “we” instead. This builds trust, boosts morale, and shows that you value your team’s efforts more than your own ego.
• Focus on coaching, not just criticism. When providing feedback, shift your focus from pointing out flaws to guiding growth. Use a constructive, forward-looking approach. Instead of saying, “You did this wrong,” try saying, “Let’s talk through how we can improve this process for next time.” Frame challenges as learning opportunities, not as personal failures.
• Share power and delegate effectively. A controlling leader holds all the cards. An inspiring leader knows how to delegate tasks and responsibilities, giving team members the autonomy to make decisions and lead their own projects. Start by entrusting a team member with a small but significant task and offer your support, not your oversight. This builds their confidence and allows you to focus on strategic leadership.
• Be a leader, not a boss. A boss gives orders; a leader guides, mentors, and supports. A boss relies on their title for authority; a leader earns respect through their actions. Think about the kind of leader you would want to work for and strive to embody those qualities every day.

If you’re looking to transform your leadership approach and build a truly inspiring team, I highly recommend “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown. Brown’s work on vulnerability and courage directly relates to Sinek’s quote. It shows that the most effective leaders aren’t those who control from a place of fear, but those who are brave enough to be vulnerable, show empathy, and build trust—the very things that inspire and empower people to do great work.

“Leadership is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” – Michele Jennae

This quote resonates deeply with me because it gets to the heart of what true leadership is: building bridges, not just managing a team. A leader’s most significant impact isn’t found in a top-down directive, but in the connections they facilitate. At its core, leadership is an act of service, and its greatest rewards come from helping others achieve things they might not have been able to on their own.

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The Essence of Leadership

The real work of a leader goes far beyond simple introductions. It’s about consciously and proactively building a supportive ecosystem where people can thrive.

• Connecting People with People: Great leaders are master team-builders. They see the unique strengths and skills of individuals and create powerful collaborations that would not have happened organically. This might mean introducing a data scientist to a marketing strategist to find a new way to analyze customer behavior, or bringing together two colleagues from different departments to solve a shared, long-standing problem. These connections build a foundation of trust and innovation.
• Connecting People with Ideas: Leaders are curators of knowledge. They don’t have to have all the answers, but they must be adept at finding and sharing new ideas. This involves encouraging your team to step outside their comfort zone, explore emerging technologies, or simply providing a fresh perspective that unlocks a new solution. By acting as a conduit for ideas, you empower your team to think differently and creatively.
• Connecting People with Opportunities: The most impactful leaders are those who are invested in the growth of others. They are constantly on the lookout for ways to help their team members succeed, whether that’s recommending a junior employee for a stretch assignment or connecting a colleague with a networking opportunity. This proactive approach to career development is the hallmark of a leader who truly cares about the people they lead.
• Connecting People with Purpose: Beyond the tactical, a leader’s most profound role is to connect their team’s daily work to a larger mission. This means clearly articulating why their contributions matter, how their efforts fit into the bigger picture, and the positive impact they are making on the company, the industry, or even the world. When people understand their purpose, their motivation becomes intrinsic.
• Connecting People with Resources: Leaders are facilitators, not gatekeepers. They connect their teams with the tools, information, and support they need to succeed. This could be anything from securing a new software license to getting access to specialized training or even just connecting them with the right person in another department who has the information they need.

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My Personal Connection to This Principle

Throughout my career, I’ve always viewed my personal network not as a list of contacts, but as a living ecosystem of shared knowledge and mutual support. For me, connecting with people has always been about genuine curiosity. I’ve made it a point to get to know people not just for what they do professionally, but for who they are—their passions, their challenges, and their aspirations. This has allowed me to act as a connector in a very personal way, whether it’s by seeing a job opportunity for a friend and making the introduction, or simply making a connection between two people I knew would hit it off and spark a great collaboration. This approach has not only enriched my professional life but has also led to meaningful, lasting relationships that extend far beyond business cards or a LinkedIn request. It’s a testament to the belief that your greatest success is found in the success of others, and it’s a practice I’ve maintained as a core habit for decades.

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Book Recommendation: The Power of Generosity

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, I highly recommend “Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Own Success” by Adam Grant. Grant argues that success is increasingly determined by how we interact with others. He introduces three types of people: Givers, Takers, and Matchers. He makes a compelling case that givers—those who are always looking for ways to add value to others’ lives—ultimately achieve the most profound and lasting success. The book provides powerful, data-driven examples that illustrate how creating and nurturing connections is not only a core leadership strategy but a fundamental key to a more fulfilling career and life.

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The most rewarding part of leadership isn’t about the title; it’s about the people you lift up along the way.

This week, as a history enthusiast, I’m honored to share the timeless wisdom of a leader who faced monumental challenges with unparalleled humility: former U.S. President Harry S. Truman.

His famous quote, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit,” is not just a platitude; it was a guiding principle for a man who inherited the presidency at a pivotal moment in history. Truman’s leadership saw the conclusion of WWII, the desegregation of the U.S. armed forces, and the launch of the Marshall Plan—a massive, collaborative effort to rebuild war-torn Europe. These were achievements born from prioritizing the greater good of a nation and a world in crisis over personal glory.

In today’s ever-changing business and technology landscape, this quote resonates more deeply than ever. True leadership isn’t about basking in the spotlight; it’s about empowering your team to achieve shared goals and driving collective success. 🌟

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Leadership in Action: Beyond the Credit

How does this philosophy play out in leadership?

• Fostering True Collaboration: Leaders who embody this quote actively seek input from all team members, encouraging a sense of ownership and shared responsibility. They understand that diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions. Think about the global effort to develop vaccines during the recent pandemic 🌍—a monumental task where countless scientists, researchers, and organizations collaborated tirelessly, often putting the collective mission above individual recognition. The speed and scale of that achievement were truly amazing because the focus was on the outcome, not who got the credit for each discovery.
• Building Trust & Psychological Safety: When leaders consistently pass credit to their team, they build immense trust. This creates a psychologically safe environment where individuals feel secure enough to take risks, voice concerns, and even make mistakes without fear of blame. This trust is the foundation for high-performing teams.
• Developing Future Leaders: A leader’s job is to create more leaders. By sharing the spotlight and giving team members opportunities to lead and be recognized, you’re not only developing their skills but also instilling in them the importance of this selfless leadership style.
• Navigating Ambiguity: In a world of constant change, many projects lack a clear roadmap. A team that doesn’t care who gets the credit can more effectively navigate ambiguity. They’re more adaptable and willing to pivot, knowing that the ultimate goal is positive impact, not personal glory.

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A Personal Anecdote ✨

Over my career, I have rolled out many enterprise solutions. Specifically, one that comes to mind was an enterprise, world-wide solution that involved replacing our entire legacy financial system. The project was incredibly complex—integrating with dozens of regional systems, managing data migration for hundreds of entities, and navigating different legal and financial regulations across the globe. There were countless setbacks, and at one point, it felt like everyone was looking to assign blame.

Our project lead, however, was a master of Truman’s philosophy. When a technical breakthrough finally solved a long-standing data migration issue, he would thank the engineers responsible, then immediately follow up with, “This is a win for all of us. Their work just unlocked the next critical step for the entire team.” He never took the spotlight, even when he deserved it. When we finally went live on a Friday night as to not disrupt weekly business operations, the entire team stayed late to celebrate the accomplishment (and of course to make sure it went smooth). We weren’t celebrating his success; we were celebrating ours. The sense of collective accomplishment was far more rewarding than any individual accolade could have been. It cemented for me the power of a leader who truly believes in the team.

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Recommended Reading 📚

For a book that beautifully captures the essence of this quote, I highly recommend “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. While it comes from a military context, its core principles of leaders taking full responsibility for their teams’ successes and failures, and empowering them to achieve the mission, perfectly align with the idea of focusing on the outcome rather than personal credit. It emphasizes that a leader’s job is to ensure the mission is accomplished, regardless of who receives the accolades. 🎖️