The most effective leaders bring out the best in those around them. Two examples of how leaders elevate... First, leaders who elevate don't think less of themselves, but they certainly think of themselves less often. In the early 19th century the leader of a service organization wanted to send a communication to his followers who would be meeting that evening in another city. Since this was prior to Wi-Fi, texting, cell phones or even pay phones, he had to use a telegram, paying by the letter. Discovering that he only had enough funds for one word, he paused, reflecting for a few moments before handing a scribbled note to the operator. When the note was read that evening to a gathering of hundreds the message was simple yet profound: OTHERS. The leaders name, Willam Booth, founder of the Salvation Army. Second, leaders who elevate see people uniquely. Most folks know about the success of the 1990s Bulls, but few recollect that Michael Jordan took a break in the middle of that run to play minor league baseball. When he returned the roster had changed significantly and, as one of his coaches put it, Michael had to "take his ability to see things on the basketball court and use that to improve the way he related to others." Head coach Phil Jackson observed that, to help the team perform at its highest level, Michael adopted a new way of leading based on what worked best with each player: physical example, emotion, or verbal communication. #LeadByElevatingOthers
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