Who do you admire?

It’s a simple question, but one that has incredible power—if we take the time to truly reflect on it.

When I ask you that question, I’m not talking about hero worship or the kind of admiration that’s rooted in jealousy or insecurity. I’m not asking you to put someone on a pedestal or compare yourself to them in a way that makes you feel “less than.” I’m talking about genuine admiration. The kind that helps us grow.

So take a moment. Think about someone you truly admire. They could be living or not. They could be someone you know personally or someone from history. Now, ask yourself: why do you admire them?

When we identify people we admire and reflect on why that is, several things happen—and all of them are valuable to our growth as leaders and as human beings.

Admiration Inspires Us

First and foremost, admiration is inspiring. When we see qualities or achievements in someone else that we respect, it sparks something inside us. It reminds us that greatness is possible. That excellence exists. And if it’s possible for them—why not us?

We don’t have to be perfect (none of us are), but seeing someone else’s strengths gives us a vision of what we might become.

It’s a Mirror of Potential

When we admire someone, we’re also seeing a glimpse of human potential. And not just in the abstract—it’s a reflection of our potential. The traits or accomplishments we admire are often things we aspire to ourselves. That admiration becomes a mirror, showing us not just who they are—but who we could become.

And let me be clear: this isn’t about comparison, competition, or chasing someone else’s dream. It’s about recognizing that we can be more. That we can grow. That we are already enough—but still have room to stretch.

It’s a Learning Opportunity

Lastly, admiration is an invitation to learn.

What steps did that person take to become who they are? What habits do they practice? What mindset do they carry? Whether we can talk to them directly, observe them from afar, or read about them in history books, their journey can become a powerful source of insight.

We can learn from their path, their mistakes, and their triumphs—and use that learning to walk more confidently on our own journey.

True admiration—without ego—is a gift. It gives us perspective, possibility, and a blueprint for growth. And when we embrace it, we take an important step toward becoming the leader—and the person—we want to be.

Who do you admire? And what will you do with that admiration today?

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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