“It’s very special to win the game like that, with that result. At the same time, I don’t want us to go to the next game with overconfidence. We just need to stay humble and play and win the games, because we are not in the position we want to be. Hopefully, this gives us a good push and helps us keep winning.” – Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah
The greatest enemy of future success is past success. As a result, learning how to handle success is a challenge facing all leaders. To remain successful, leaders must continually combat assumption and entitlement. Humility is a must.
I was reminded of this truth today when Liverpool dominated Manchester United winning by the score of 7-0. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was the Man of the Match after scoring twice and adding two assists. In doing so, he became the team’s record Premier League goalscorer with 129 strikes. See the highlights below.
https://youtu.be/iBuTEywEQ6U
Afterwards, he told Sky Sports and recorded in this The Athletic article written by Luke Bosher, “It’s very special to win the game like that, with that result. At the same time, I don’t want us to go to the next game with overconfidence. We just need to stay humble and play and win the games, because we are not in the position we want to be. Hopefully, this gives us a good push and helps us keep winning.”
5 Facts About The One Message All Successful Leaders Must Continually Communicate
From Salah’s comments, we learn 5 facts about the one message all successful leaders must continually communicate, the message of humility:
- Successful Leaders Must First Properly Evaluate Reality – Liverpool dominated the game. To deny that reality would come across as disingenious. Salah said, “It’s very special to win the game like that, with that result.” Defining reality is the first requirement of leadership.
- Successful Leaders Remain Constantly Aware Of Potential Threats To Success – Success cannot be assumed. Leaders must lead the way in maintaining discipline. Salah reminded everyone, “At the same time, I don’t want us to go to the next game with overconfidence.”
- Successful Leaders Stay Humble And Demand Humility From Their Teammates – Arrogance is an enemy of success. It creates a false sense of security. The best way to combat arrogance is through humility. Experienced leaders know you will either develop humility through choosing it … or through humiliation. Salah chose to be humble after today’s match. he said, “We just need to stay humble and play and win the games.”
- Successful Leaders Must Continually Remind Everyone There Is Still Work Left To Be Done – Babe Ruth once said, “Yesterday’s home run does not wins today’s game.” Salah would agree. With the team is still in fifth place, he said, “We are not in the position we want to be.”
- Successful Leaders Are Always Focused On What’s Next – A leader’s windshield is always bigger than their rearview mirror. They are constantly looking ahead and taking new ground. Salah is the embodiment of this philosophy. He reminded everyone, “Hopefully, this gives us a good push and helps us keep winning.”
Conclusion
Evaluate reality, constantly beware of threats, demand humility, remind everyone there is still work to do, and focus on what is next. Do these five things and you may have continued success as a leader.
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