Who helped us win? Why Great Leaders Celebrate Everyone

Leadership is often shaped by the names we celebrate most. We remember the headline performers, the record breakers, the visible heroes. Yet strong teams, departments, and organizations are rarely built by one person alone. They are built by many—some in the spotlight, and many more working faithfully behind the scenes.

Black History Month gives us powerful reminders of this truth.

One such story is that of Matthew “Mack” Robinson, an extraordinary athlete whose name is far less known than the man who finished just ahead of him. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Robinson ran the race of his life in the 200-meter dash. He shattered expectations and finished second, earning a silver medal—behind his teammate, Jesse Owens, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated Olympians in history.

Robinson’s achievement was remarkable. In any other moment, it might have been the headline. But history often remembers the gold medalist and overlooks the silver. What many people also don’t realize is that Matthew Robinson was the older brother of another history-maker: Jackie Robinson, who would later break Major League Baseball’s color barrier.

Matthew Robinson’s story reminds us of an important leadership lesson: impact is not diminished simply because someone else receives more attention.

In today’s workplaces, we see this dynamic play out every day. There are team members whose names appear on reports, presentations, and announcements. And there are others who make those successes possible—through preparation, consistency, support, and quiet excellence. They may not always receive public praise, but without them, the win doesn’t happen.

Great leaders understand this.

They intentionally honor every contributor, not just the most visible ones. They recognize the steady performer who shows up early, the teammate who mentors others, the operations professional who prevents problems before they arise, and the support staff who keep everything moving smoothly. These individuals may not cross the finish line first, but they help the entire team get there.

Recognition is not about lowering standards or handing out empty praise. It is about seeing people. It is about acknowledging effort, commitment, and impact—whether or not it comes with a spotlight.

When leaders make recognition part of their culture, trust grows. Engagement increases. People feel valued not only for what they produce, but for who they are and how they contribute. Teams become stronger because everyone understands that their role matters.

As we reflect during Black History Month, let’s honor not only the most famous names, but also the ones whose stories are quieter—yet no less important. Like Matthew Robinson, and like so many people on our own teams, their contributions shape outcomes, inspire others, and leave a lasting legacy.

True leadership doesn’t just celebrate the winner.
It honors everyone who helped make the victory possible.