Sometimes, leadership finds us before we even realize we’re ready. This past week, I witnessed it firsthand as my wife, Nelli, stepped into a leadership role at a business conference—not by seeking it, but by naturally guiding a conversation, sharing insights, and empowering others.

True leadership isn’t about authority or titles; it’s about stepping forward, contributing, and creating space for others to do the same. Watching Nelli embrace this moment reinforced a powerful lesson: when we surround ourselves with the right people, opportunities to lead become clear.

Leadership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about contribution. On a recent cruise, I met Mr. Washy Washy, a crew member whose simple job of reminding guests to wash their hands became something extraordinary. Through song and dance, he turned a routine task into a ship-wide phenomenon, creating joy while likely preventing illness.

It was a powerful reminder that the smallest roles can have the biggest impact and that true leadership is about recognizing the value in every team member.

Who’s your Mr. Washy Washy? Who has made an impact in your life—not because of their title, but because of how they showed up?

What a Cruise Ship Taught Me About High-Performance Teams

High-functioning teams don’t happen by accident—they are built through clear roles, seamless communication, a shared mission, and mutual trust. On my first-ever cruise, I witnessed a masterclass in teamwork as thousands of crew members from around the world worked together to create a seamless guest experience.

One small but powerful example stood out: consistency. Every Old Fashioned I ordered on board, regardless of the bartender or location, was perfectly crafted. That level of precision is no coincidence—it’s the result of a strong team culture, clear expectations, and a commitment to excellence.

These same principles apply beyond the cruise industry to any organization striving for high performance. Are they present in your team?

Read more to explore the key takeaways from this experience and how they can elevate your leadership and team dynamics.

Labor Day isn’t just a tribute to hard work; it’s a celebration of opportunity, teamwork, and the transformative power of labor. Thomas Edison’s words remind us that opportunity often wears overalls, requiring grit, collaboration, and dedication. Let’s honor the dignity of work and the teamwork that makes enduring achievements possible.