Greatness Is In the Agency of Others

When we think about greatness, it’s easy to picture the lone hero. The CEO with a brilliant idea, the athlete breaking records, or the artist delivering a masterpiece—each is celebrated and focused on for their individual achievements. But as I’ve reflected on my own journey, and the journeys of those I’ve had the privilege to coach, I’ve come to realize that true greatness is rarely a solo act.

Scott Galloway, the entrepreneur and podcast host behind “The Prof G Pod,” said something that stuck with me: “Greatness is in the agency of others.” It’s one of those ideas that feels simple at first but hits you deeper the more you think about it. This profound insight has resonated deeply with me throughout my career. I began my journey as a doer: a Programmer, Analyst, and Manager. Those early roles taught me the value of mastering my craft and taking ownership of my work. But as my career evolved into leadership, and later into coaching, I saw a bigger truth emerge. My success wasn’t just about what I could achieve—it was about the people who walked beside me and who trusted me to do the same for them.

We don’t ascend to greatness; we’re lifted there by others. Colleagues who challenge us to think differently, mentors who see potential in us that we can’t yet see in ourselves, and even competitors who push us to sharpen our skills—these relationships shape us in ways we often don’t recognize until we look back.

For nearly 40 years, I’ve been privileged to work alongside remarkable individuals, many of whom became more than just colleagues—they became lifelong friends. These relationships didn’t just make my career richer; they made me better. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve shared with my children as they were growing up is this: Your colleagues matter. Find good ones, and be a good one. They will define not just your work but also your life.

This principle has been especially evident in my coaching work. When executives come to me, they often feel burdened by the weight of leadership. I experienced this myself. They believe they must have all the answers, solve every problem, and blaze the trail alone. My role is to remind them that their power lies not in doing it all themselves but in empowering others. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about building a room full of smart, capable people and giving them the space and the tools to excel.

Consider the act of building a business. While it’s tempting to focus on the founder’s vision, the truth is that a business thrives because of the collective effort of its people. From the frontline employees who deliver the customer experience to the partners and advisors who provide strategic guidance, greatness emerges when everyone contributes their agency toward a shared goal.

I’ve also witnessed this truth in the bittersweet moments of saying goodbye to longtime colleagues and friends. As I celebrated the retirement of someone with whom I’ve shared decades of memories, I was struck by how much their support and collaboration had shaped my path. They made my successes possible, and in turn, I’d like to think I played a role in theirs.

Greatness is not a solitary climb but a shared journey. It’s found in the trust we place in others and the trust they place in us. It’s in the teams we build, the ideas we nurture together, and the moments when we step back to let someone else shine.

As I continue to coach leaders, advise entrepreneurs, and reflect on my own career, I’m reminded daily that the agency of others is not just a supporting act in the story of greatness—it is the story. Our role is not to carry the weight of greatness alone but to invite others to carry it with us.

So, as you think about your own journey, I encourage you to ask yourself: Who are the people who lift you, challenge you, and inspire you? And how can you do the same for them? Because in the end, our greatest accomplishments are never ours alone—they’re the result of what we build together.