Chasing the Cause, Not the Credit
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This weekend, I stopped by a new Indian restaurant. I wasn’t familiar with much on the menu, so I asked the waitress for her recommendations. The service and food were phenomenal. As we wrapped up, I told her I wanted to leave a great review and asked for her name to make sure she got credit. Her response left me speechless:
"Thank you, sir, but you don’t need to mention me personally. Just let people know the service and food were great—that’s more than enough."
It hit me. She wasn’t chasing personal credit—she was driven by something bigger: making sure the entire restaurant succeeded. In that moment, I realized what makes winning teams, businesses, and even relationships thrive: people focused on the cause, not the credit.
What Are You Really After?
When chasing your goals, ask yourself: Are you chasing personal recognition, or are you committed to the larger mission?
Too often, we get wrapped up in wanting acknowledgment. We crave the applause, the “thank yous,” the spotlight. But the real game-changers—the ones who rise above—focus on the collective win, not individual glory.
Think about it:
- Would you still give 110% if no one ever knew it was you?
- Would you keep grinding if someone else got the credit?
If your answer is "no," you might be chasing credit instead of progress.
Leadership Beyond the Spotlight
The best leaders aren’t front-and-center. They build a culture where everyone feels invested. It’s not about being the star of the show; it’s about ensuring the entire team shines.
Want to be that type of leader?
- Create a Bigger Vision: Focus on a mission greater than yourself.
- Eliminate Ego: Be willing to let others shine—even if it means your name isn’t attached.
- Take Ownership: If you're ready to claim victories, be just as prepared to shoulder the blame.
Be the One Who Pushes the Cause Forward
Someone recently asked me about my ultimate career goal. I said, “To be so effective at helping people believe in themselves that my job becomes obsolete.”
Would anyone ever remember that quote? Probably not. Does that matter? Absolutely not. I care more about the outcome—the mission—than personal accolades.
Winning in Life and Business
The greatest teams in sports, business, and life don’t win because of one star player. They win because everyone is locked in on the same goal, willing to sacrifice and lift each other up.
If you commit to something bigger than yourself, the credit will come. Maybe not today, maybe not next month—but in front of the right people, at the right time, recognition always finds its way to those who truly deserve it.
Stop chasing the spotlight. Start chasing greatness.