A few weeks ago, I attended my uncle Victor Allsup’s funeral. He was a lifelong farmer and one of Mississippi's leading dairy farmers for many years.
 
His obituary listed many accomplishments, including scholarship, innovation, service to his industry and hard work. It was not surprising to read that one of his favorite sayings was “More people rust out, than wear out.” There is no doubt from his professional, personal and public lifestyle that he would be the last one to rust away. He was an example in all aspects of “putting in the effort.” Each of the accolades listed about him, at least in part, were accompanied with, or achieved through, effort.
 
I believe the same is true when we lead. If we follow the advice of Ronald Reagan (“Surround yourself with people smarter than you are.”), we won’t be the smartest person in our circle. It’s likely we will not directly have all of the political connections and personal/organizational relationships we need. We’ll be surrounded by people with more ideas than we have, or more talents and abilities than we may possess. While we can grow and improve in all of these, the one thing we can control every day, every time, is the effort we put in.
 
It seemed like I had heard the legendary coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols Pat Summitt say something similar. An internet search for a quote about effort from her produced several such statements. Coach Summitt said, “Here’s how I’m going to beat you. I’m going to outwork you. That’s it. That’s all there is to it.” She also said, “Winning is not the point. Wanting to win is the point. Not giving up is the point. Never letting up is the point.”
 
Effort, with its close cousins persistence and determination, contributes greatly to effective leadership and team success.
 
A rusty tool cannot always complete the job. Let’s knock any rust off, put in the effort and L.E.A.D.!