The Big Dog’s 15-second Leadership Lesson
/In the run up to last week’s Super Bowl, former President Bill Clinton appeared on ESPN’s Mike & Mike in the Morning Radio Show. And in a brief exchange, he provided a memorable illustration of what makes a great leader.
Toward the end of the interview, after speculating over which famous athletes would make good presidents and reminiscing over White House visits by championship teams, the president shared a few words with Tampa Bay Buccanneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The hosts, Mikes Greenberg and Golic, informed the President the All-Pro lineman was with them and that he wanted to say hello.
“Uh…hello…Mr. President,” McCoy tentatively began.
“He’s shy,” one of the Mikes interjected, a bit rudely.
“I am,” he continued, visibly embarrassed. “This is uh…Gerald McCoy, and it’s an honor just to say ‘hello.’” He chuckled nervously and mumbled that he didn’t have much more to say. He had wanted to say “hello” so he could tell his wife he had.
At this point of the interaction, about eight seconds in, Clinton could have said “Nice to meet you.” And that would have been fine. McCoy would have remembered the awkward pleasantry fondly, though probably with a touch of embarrassment.
But Clinton went another way. He responded with an enthusiastic rhetorical query: “Hi Gerald. Hey, let me ask you a question…true or false: Most football games are decided in the line.”
“Oh that’s true,” McCoy beamed. “That’s a fact, for sure.”
By the 15 second mark, Clinton had completely transformed the moment. The two men chatted for another minute about football and said goodbye cordially. And in a brief exchange, the president had completely won the man over. How did he do that?
By honoring time-tested leadership fundamentals. Think about his comment again: “Let me ask you a question…football games are decided in the line.” What was the president really saying by with this response? A lot:
- Forget embarrassing or awkward. I’m not going to let this be a regrettable moment for you.
- Stop kissing my ring. We’re going to connect as equals.
- We’re not going to talk about me. We’re going to talk about you. I want to hear your perspective.
- What you do is important and doesn’t get enough appreciation.
That's a lot to communicate in a few seconds. But it's easy for an experienced leader. Because leaders understand a simple truth: Each person matters, and everyone wants to feel appreciated.