"Strong leaders try to lift others up"

Strong leaders are those who make it their mission to elevate the people around them. Simple, right? When you think about it, the essence of leadership isn't about being at the top and barking orders; it's about fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered and valued.

Historically, this idea has been at the heart of effective leadership. Think about leaders like Nelson Mandela. When he became South Africa's first black president, he didn’t use his power to dominate or seek revenge against those who had oppressed him. Instead, he focused on reconciliation and bringing people together. Mandela believed in lifting others up, recognizing that the strength of a nation—or any group—comes from the collective progress and well-being of its people.

Now, let’s imagine you're at work. You have a boss who’s always there to support you. This boss doesn’t just delegate tasks, but also takes the time to mentor and develop their team. They celebrate your successes, big and small, and provide constructive feedback to help you grow. Because they lift you up, you’re more motivated, more productive, and you genuinely enjoy coming to work. This creates a ripple effect, where the positive environment they’ve cultivated encourages everyone to lift each other up.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start small. Look for opportunities to praise and encourage those around you. If a colleague does a great job, let them—and others—know. If someone’s struggling, offer your help and support. It’s about being genuinely invested in others' growth and success. And remember, lifting others up doesn’t lessen your own achievements; it enhances them.

Here’s a story to bring it home: Imagine a high school basketball team. The star player, let’s call her Jess, is phenomenal. She scores the most points, gets the most steals—you name it. But instead of hogging the spotlight, Jess always passes the ball to her teammates, even when she could easily take the shot herself. She cheers them on from the sidelines and helps them improve their skills during practice. Jess’s attitude transforms the team. They go from a group of individuals to a cohesive unit, where everyone feels valued and plays better as a result. They start winning more games, not because of Jess alone, but because of the team's collective effort. Jess's leadership lifts everyone up, making the team stronger as a whole.

In essence, being a strong leader is about recognizing that when you lift others, you elevate the entire group. It's not a zero-sum game. Imagine if we all adopted this mindset—in our workplaces, communities, and even families. We’d create environments brimming with support, shared success, and mutual respect.

Next time you have a chance to lead, big or small, remember: it’s about lifting others up. And in doing so, you'll find that your own journey becomes all the more meaningful and impactful. So go on, give it a try. Lift someone up today, and watch how it transforms not just them, but you as well.