For a few minutes on the third day of an NBA scandal, a sports figure led by example

Conciseness signals strength, certitude and honesty – particularly at a time when long-winded leaders seem determined to hide their true intent behind a flood of empty words and promises.  Americans crave authenticity and action from their leaders.  ~The National Journal commenting on Adam Silver

In the last week, this was the title of a feature story in USA Today (April 29, 2014): "Adam Silver gives Donald Sterling lifetime ban from NBA."  The story began with the following two paragraphs.

Until a few days ago, few people in America could have picked Adam Silver out of a crowd.  Tall, thin and, let's be honest, a bit nerdy looking, the new NBA commissioner could have been any other harried executive or overworked attorney in New York. 

Now, however, Silver is an American hero.  His lifetime ban of Donald Sterling and impassioned defense of common decency earned him praise from players, owners and fans, as well as everyday folks who just wanted to see the right thing done and were thrilled someone had the courage to do it.

Adam Silver has since been described as "a great leader," "someone who showed great leadership," and "we have a great leader leading…" to list only a few of the comments published about Silver over the past week.

I am one of those people who fall into the category of "everyday folks" when it comes to this recent news event regarding Adam Silver and the NBA's decision.  But I was certainly intrigued so I viewed Mr. Silver's full announcement to the press.  I wanted to see what he did that has garnered such praise and recognition.  From my point of view, he was unapologetic, he was firm, he was clear.  I also noted, however, what he didn't do.  He didn't attack Mr. Sterling's character, he didn't waver from the facts and make assumptions about Mr. Sterling's motives, and he didn't interject any self-congratulatory comments. 

I think what Mr. Silver didn't do may have won him the recognition of sports fans, as well as those of us yearning for any national display of leadership, more than what he did.  Think about it.  When was the last time we heard a politician (or other national figure) steer clear of attacking character, making assumptions about someone else's motives, and showcasing their own self-righteous behavior?   We haven't seen this kind of leadership on the national stage for so long that it almost caught us off-guard; we almost forgot how to recognize leadership that wasn't self-centered.

Now to bring this a little closer to home, this kind of attacking, self-righteous grandstanding can be found in our conference rooms, executive offices, on Facebook, and in blog comments.  Maybe we've strayed so far from effective leadership because we've also strayed so far from true dialogue and effective communication.  Having our right to express our opinion (which is self-centered) has become more important than achieving a positive, helpful outcome (which is other-centered).

Adam Silver.  A name we all recognize, at least for the moment, because he reminded us that there is another approach to leadership.  An approach that is authoritative and respectful, firm yet compassionate.  Thank you, Mr. Silver for a long overdue example of effective leadership.