When people talk about leadership in sports, few names command respect like Mark Messier. His presence on and off the ice defined what it truly means to lead—not just through words, but through actions, integrity, and selflessness.
One of the most telling aspects of Messier’s leadership is his approach to people. He never walked into a room announcing, “Here I am.” Instead, he made everyone feel seen and valued with a simple, “There you are.” That’s the difference between someone who seeks attention and someone who naturally commands it.
Messier never needed to talk about himself or seek recognition. He didn’t have to remind people that he was a standout player or that he had cracked the code to winning. His performance, his commitment to his teammates, and his unwavering focus on the team’s success spoke for him. That’s the hallmark of a true leader-letting actions, not words, do the talking.
A pretender will always find ways to announce their presence, to ensure the world knows about their achievements, often before they’ve even proven anything. But a leader like Messier doesn’t waste time trying to convince others of their greatness. He was there, in the trenches, doing the work, making sacrifices, and lifting those around him. That’s why he was trusted, respected, and followed.
True leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about inspiring belief, cultivating trust, and showing up when it matters most. Mark Messier embodied this mindset, and his legacy serves as a blueprint for anyone striving to lead-not just in sports, but in life.
I could spend hours upon hours sharing stories about his leadership examples that illustrate his unwavering dedication, his ability to inspire, and his selfless commitment to those around him. But we don’t have enough hours or time, so let’s keep this short.
If you want to know what separates a leader from a pretender, look at how they carry themselves. Are they focused on the team, or are they focused on themselves? A great leader doesn’t need to tell you who they are. They show you.