In my book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices of Apex Leaders, I highlight the qualities the greatest leaders have always had – and will always have.

One of those qualities was apex leaders make others better.

Great leaders do more than perform — they elevate those around them.  Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is proving that once again this season.  When asked why he believes this is his best season yet, Salah did not cite his personal stats, accolades, or even his highlight-reel moments. Instead, he focused on the impact he has had on his teammates.

“I think this is my best season because I have made other players around me better,” Salah told TNT Sports.  “That is what I feel.  I know their games.”

Salah’s numbers through February 26 are staggering: 30 goals and 21 assists, a total of 51 goal contributions in all competitions.  But what truly sets him apart is the way he has lifted his teammates.  Leaders in any field — whether in business, sports, faith, or life — understand that true greatness is not just about personal achievement; it is about empowering others to reach their full potential.

The following are three leadership lessons on making others better from the Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah:

1. Apex Leaders Elevate Others

Salah’s leadership has directly impacted the performances of several key Liverpool players.  Cody Gakpo has matched his goal total from last season with 16.  Luis Diaz has equaled his previous season’s contributions of 13 goals and five assists.  Dominik Szoboszlai has increased his tally to 12 goal contributions, surpassing his numbers from last season.

These improvements are not accidental.  Salah is intentional about understanding his teammates’ strengths and playing to them. In this article from The Athletic, he explained, “If you look at the numbers of our other players, it will be higher than their previous seasons.  My assists are higher this year which shows that I have helped them a lot.”

This is a masterclass in leadership.  The best leaders recognize that their influence is measured not just by their own success, but by the growth and development of those around them.

2. Apex Leaders Adapt and Serve

Salah’s evolution from a prolific goal scorer to an all-around playmaker mirrors what great leaders do: adapt to the needs of their team.  While many players chase individual accolades, Salah has shifted his focus to ensuring that Liverpool as a whole reaches new heights.  He is not just concerned about his own performance — he is making sure his teammates thrive as well.

This is the challenge to every leader reading this.  Are you making those around you better?  Are you helping your team grow?  Are you adjusting your role to meet the needs of the people you lead?

3. Apex Leaders Focus on Team Success

When asked about the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, Salah did not dwell on individual recognition.  Instead, he kept his focus on the team’s goals: “Let us win the Premier League and Champions League and we will see.”

This is the mark of a true leader.  He knows that if Liverpool achieves its ultimate goals, personal accolades will follow.  But he is not driven by that.  His motivation is collective success, and he understands that when the team wins, everyone wins.

Conclusion

Mohamed Salah’s leadership this season is a powerful reminder: Great leaders do not just shine — they help others shine, too.  Whether you are leading a business, a ministry, or a team, the question remains: Are the people around you getting better because of you?  That is the true measure of leadership.

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