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Hey, JR here, ok, I used to be the guy who had to make sure everyone knew what I did.
Not in a harmful way, I was not tearing anyone down. But I was always tracking the scoreboard. If a project succeeded, I wanted my name attached to it. If results showed up, I wanted it clear where they came from.
I thought this would advance me.
I thought this was a way to ensure I was taking care of my own career.
I remember a performance review where a supervisor told me, "John, it really doesn't matter who gets the credit."
I half-way laughed, then pushed back.
"If it doesn't matter who gets the credit, why does it matter when it's time for promotions?"
That was pretty heavy, I'll admit. I don't think he liked it. And, looking back, that moment said more about me than him.
Because I was trying to prove I belonged.
But please hear me out, and advocate for yourself. Your work should be seen. Your voice should be heard. But I now realize there is a difference between advocating and chasing validation.
In my recent conversation with Cathilea Robinett, CEO of e.Republic, we uncovered something powerful.
A lot of CEO's feel this same pressure. Well, at least they did early on in their careers.
You walk into rooms and think, I have to prove why I deserve to be here.
When in reality, your presence in the room is already the proof.
The mindset shift is powerful.
So if you see yourself in this, here are three ways to lead without needing the credit:
Three Ways To Lead Without Needing the Credit
Share the spotlight on purpose
Call out others by name. Highlight their contribution before yours. Leaders who elevate others get invited back into bigger rooms.
Let your work speak before you do
Deliver consistently. Results create a reputation faster than self-promotion ever will.
Redefine the win
Instead of asking, “Did I get credit?” ask, “ Did we move the mission forward?” That question builds influence that lasts.
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Now here is what happens if you DO NOT make the shift:
Trust erodes like ice in warm sunlight
People start to question your intent. Collaboration slows down.
Growth is capped at the level of your ego
The higher you go, the less this behavior is tolerated. Leadership requires shared ownership.
One Action Step
In your next meeting, intentionally recognize someone else’s contribution before mentioning your own.
Do it publicly.
Do it specifically.
Then watch what happens to the energy in the room.
Record that!
Then, take a listen to this episode and hear the full conversation.
Then let me know what resonated with you on LinkedIn!
I will pin it to my profile. I think most of you are following me there.
If not go to linkedin.com/in/johnregister
Work With Me
If you are navigating change and need clarity in the moments that matter most, let’s connect.
Book time with me at: www.johnregister.com
Where was JR?
College Park, MD
Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to be the keynote speaker at the Horning Core Values Conference in College Park, MD.
Horning is a mission-driven real estate development and management firm focused on creating inclusive, thriving, and vibrant communities through long-term investments and partnerships.
This speaking opportunity came from a person who left one company and landed at Horning. He pitched me as the keynote speaker because he remembered my presentation at his previous company. I love when that happens.
I am grateful for this and for anyone who remembers my presentation years later. The impact reminds me that the message never gets old or stale. We all need to release what limits us to elevate to a higher version of ourselves.
Detroit, MI
My next stop was Detroit, Michigan, where I served as the closing speaker at the American Planning Association Conference. I really enjoyed this group. They are unsung. They do not get much credit for how they ensure city planning is carried out across our nation. They fix problems and often do not work on themselves.
I love talking to these people because I have learned to take more care of myself.
If you are interested in becoming a planner, visit https://www.planning.org/
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Thank you for taking the time to read this quick note. I hope you can put part of it into practice and elevate your leadership.
Continue to inspire your world, and chat with you next week.
Thanks for being with us. I am grateful for you.
Go forth - inspire your world.
See you next Tuesday!
John Register is an Irreversible Leadership keynote speaker and Paralympic silver medalist who helps executives navigate high-stakes transitions by strategically subtracting what no longer serves them to elevate performance, culture, and decision authority.
