The first round of the NBA playoffs is off and running. 40 games in 40 nights. There’s more excitement in the air. It’s like what happens after a job promotion or pending breakthrough. You experience the feeling of ‘access granted.’ You feel rewarded for your efforts. Recognized for your work. Blessed for giving your best. So do these players.

The Cleveland Cavaliers is the only team thus far to have done a sweep. They won four straight games in the kick-off series. Some say it’s a sign they mean business. But it might also be a sign of leadership. Just listen to Lebron James in his post game interviews. He’s always making his teammates feel appreciated.

This is a priceless practice as CEO of Me Inc. Turning Me Inc. to Team Inc. Turning Me Inc. to ‘wink wink.’ It allows others to play their role. Raise their game and bring it to the max. It makes them feel validated. We all seek a sense of belonging. The knowing that who we are and what we do matters. How do you feel when someone looks you in the eye and says “well done”? It gets you motivated.

With James on the court we see great play. What happens off the court is great leadership. The CEO of Me Inc. delivers both. Your example gives others a free pass to shine. I get this every time I speak, do an interview or book signing. The opportunity makes me feel appreciated, validated and even more motivated. Here’s why.

Ever parked your car and needed to get the ticket validated? You get it stamped by someone in authority. You depart with no charge (wink wink). That is your free pass (now ‘pay it forward’ or wave to ‘the haters’). As CEO of Me Inc. you can be first-class at the office. Top dog in business. No match for the competition. Leadership makes it happen. But the ultimate validation and inspiration is when ‘Big G-o-d’ comes through for you. There’s nothing like the stamp of approval from a Higher Authority.