Leadership Paradox #1: Sacrifice and Celebrate

The Leader sets the tone, his/her example of hard work, persistency and sacrifice is the point of reference for his/her team. Most important and worthy challenges will require extra effort, investment of time and tough choices. The leader has the responsibility to set an example, to make the sacrifice, make the tough call and work harder than anybody else.

People will respond and follow the example of the leader and in turn sacrifice and give their best. 

At the same time, it is very important that the leader takes the time to celebrate and recognize that effort. Celebrating an individual effort, an attitude aligned with the team's values and principles, or recognizing even small wins, increases the commitment and energy of the team.

Set the example, work hard and sacrifice more than anyone, celebrate and recognize more than anyone.

Here are four tips on how to balance sacrifice and celebrate:

1. Arrive early, before anyone else and be the last one to leave.
2. Never complain about how tough or difficult the work is or the effort you have put into it.
3. Make recognition evident and sincere, when someone praises you, celebrate the team’s achievement rather than your role in it.
4. Take time to celebrate, no mater if it is a minute or a whole event, make it about the celebration, nothing else.