At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British runner Derek Redmond was expected to medal and possibly win the 400-meter race.
Once he dominated the early heats, track aficionados were excited about what might materialize. Unfortunately, during the semi-final, tragedy struck.
Midway through the race, Derek Redmond tore his hamstring and fell to his knees on the track. Wincing in pain, he eventually stood and then began limping to finish the race.
His father, Jim Redmond, who had always been his biggest fan, was in the stands watching this misfortune unfold. Once his son collapsed, he quickly pushed his way through security to be with him on the track.
After a hug, Jim Redmond put his son’s arm around his shoulder and said, “I’m here. We’ll finish this together.” And together they limped and walked toward the finish line.
A few feet from the line, Jim let go of his son so Derek could cross on his own. The father and son team received a standing ovation from the crowd. What a touching moment for everyone who had the honor to witness it.
Jim Redmond did something all great leaders, parents, and coaches do. He helped his son finish what he couldn’t on his own.
The best leaders do the same in the workplace. They help others complete what they are incapable of completing solely on their own.
They stand ready to help from a distance, and then move in when their position, influence, physicality, or expertise can help them finish the job. In some cases, leaders just show up and get busy working when a team member’s deadline can’t be met without their assistance.
The best leaders help others close deals, finalize plans, extend invitations, navigate office politics, deliver difficult presentations and pitches, resolve workplace conflicts, secure necessary resources, gain approval for innovative ideas, open doors to new partnerships and clients, and meet tight deadlines.
When needed, they go out of their way to extend a hand to pull people over the finish line. Just like Jim Redmond did that fateful day.
The Redmond story gets even better. Twenty years later, Jim Redmond was asked to carry the torch for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics in London.
