Leadership: Making Someone Else Larger Than You

No Rewards, Little Recognition, Real Leadership

We all learned in school about Isaac Newton's run-in with the falling apple. Newton revolutionized astronomy when he discovered and introduced the laws of gravity back in the 1600's.

But did you know that Newton may have simply eaten that apple had it not been for Edmund Halley, our favorite comet guy?

Halley prodded Newton to think through his original assumptions. He even double-checked and corrected Newton's math and created geometrical drawings to support his discoveries. Ever the coach, Halley bugged Newton to write his now-famous work, Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. Halley edited, supervised, and financed the publication even though Newton had more money and could have paid for it himself.

Newton reaped the rewards almost immediately. Halley received very little credit.

Halley did, however, use the principles to predict the orbit and return of the comet that would later become Halley's Comet. Only after his death, though, did he garner any acclaim. Since the comet returns only once every seventy-six years, Halley's recognition is rather spotty.

Yet Halley remained a dedicated scientist who didn't care who received the credit as long as the mission was being advanced.

In a world that promises 15 seconds of sound-bite fame, let's become the kind of people who can lead a successful mission even--especially--when the camera is pointed at someone else.

This is leadership that leaves a legacy.

May your comet shine brightly.

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Comments

[Frode H.]

Right on!
This is spot on my way of thinking. I was once told that a great leader is measured by how many of his staff wants to become a leader. If I can add more value and knowledge to my co-workers and make them more valuable to the business then me, I have succeeded.

[Wally Bock]

Here's a wee example for you, Steve. When I was young I loved playground basketball more than anything. Alas, much like some other passions I was pretty good, but not very good. Playground basketball in New York City was a meritocracy, a "winners out" world where the best players could keep playing and where the good players might pick someone from the waiting line along the fence to improve their team.

I learned early that I would never be a star, but that I could play all day if I helped the stars win and look good. I was almost always the sixth best player on the court, but I got to play all day long.

[Steve Roesler]

Welcome back, Wally.

Life principle #137a: We hang on tightly to people who make us feel good about ourselves.