Give It Away

by Scott Harper

“If you want to grow in your personal and professional life, get in the habit of giving away as much credit as you possibly can.”

Ryan Leak

April 8, 2026

You probably have plenty of reasons to brag about all the amazing things you’ve done without anyone's help.

I once changed a flat tire by myself. . . at night. . . in the freezing rain. . . with my arm in a sling. . . two days after shoulder surgery.

How ‘bout that?

I was proud of myself.

My doctor, however, thought I was an idiot.

Have you ever heard of a man named Neil Armstrong?

He’s just the first dude who ever stepped foot ON THE MOON!

After his historical accomplishment, Armstrong spent the rest of his life crediting the more than 400,000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff who made the mission possible.

He never boasted about his role. Instead, he routinely gave credit to others by saying, “I was just the tip of the spear.”

In your most praiseworthy moments, do you consider yourself the entire spear—or just the tip?

SHARPER LEADER:

1.      What accomplishments are you most proud of?

  • Action Step: Identify your most recent accomplishment and write down everyone who directly or indirectly helped make it possible.

 

2.      Do you prefer hoarding or sharing the praise?

  • Action Step: Think about something you are regularly praised for. Humbly accept the compliment—but make sure to give “away as much credit as you possibly can.”

 

3.      Who can you start giving credit to today?

  • Action Step: Identify some of your most important accomplishments and begin telling others about those who helped make them possible.

 

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute:

Over the next week, give away as much credit as you possibly can—and see how people respond.    

Recommended book:

Leveling Up book

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