Leaders are Lifters

While watching NFL Sunday Countdown, a quote about Eli Manning caught my attention. One of his wide receivers said of the Super Bowl MVP, "leaders are lifters. He picks us up and carries us on his back." I liked the little phrase so I searched the internet for similar quotes regarding leaders are lifters. The only thing that turned up was Manning's head coach Tom Coughlin saying the same thing about him. Leaders are lifters.

Digging deeper, it's clear that Manning has a great rapport with his teammates. They describe his as being very positive and encouraging. He speaks to the potential of each athlete instead of dwelling on the things he cannot control (dropped passes, injuries, etc.). He also demonstrates genuine care for other players. He talks to them, walks off the practice field with them and continues to give people chances. He's easy for players to follow.

It's evident in professional sports that the best leaders are lifters. Aaron Rodgers is another great example of a Super Bowl MVP who lifted his teammates to higher levels in spite of injuries and setbacks to achieve the ultimate goal in professional football.

Here are nine leadership principles that lead to leaders becoming lifters:

1. They believe in others. Leaders who actively empower others to showcase their abilities are able to pull the potential out of those around them.

2. They're passionate. It's easy to follow a leader who cares deeply about the vision and mission. It's just as easy to not follow someone when they're not as interested in the plan as others.

3. They take personal responsibility for the bad and quickly give credit to others for the good. The trick to this principle is it must be sincere. Great leaders credit others because they sincerely believe they deserve the credit. Followers will sniff the fraud who credits others only because they believe it will benefit their bottom line. Additionally, they shoulder the blame when it doesn't go well. They look at themselves first and recognize how they can become better while realizing they cannot do it alone.

4. They control the controlables. Staying focused is a key ingredient to success in all facets of life. When a leader begins to focus on things out of his/her control, the pieces will fall apart. Attitude and effort is always within your control. Start there.

5. They open their mouth only when needed. When words are carefully selected and used only when needed, people listen eagerly. When words are used too much, they become noise and are quickly blocked out. Great leaders lead by example first and with words second.

6. They remain upbeat. Being optimistic allows for a leader to be a positive encouragement instead of a "Debbie Downer." People want to follow individuals who are upbeat, can keep things light and have a healthy perspective. Optimistic leaders believe the best is possible.

7. They choose greatness. You don't need permission to make yourself better. The best leaders set a higher standard for themselves than what they expect of others. They simply demand that what gets done today is more excellent than what was done yesterday. The standard doesn't have to be your standard. Your can set standards higher than the rest. It's your choice.

8. They lead with their heart, not their ego. When maintaining status as a leader takes precedence over winning as a team, success becomes difficult. The best leaders are also humble - they have a proper understanding of who they are and how they relate to the world and others around them. Leading with your heart forces you to care for others.

9. They don't miss the opportunity to publicly praise others. Similarly, they never take the opportunity to publicly ridicule or demean others. Public praise allows for private criticism because trust is established.

How can this type of leadership be applied to our lives? Everyone has access to becoming a leader that lifts others. If you're a husband or wife, parent, friend, coach, athletes, etc., these principles can be used to have a positive impact on others. Make it a goal to assure that others are better for having come into contact with you.