As we have all learned through some of life's harder lessons – whether it's helping a friend through a tough time, coaching a little league team or working on a critical project – giving our best always gets the best results.

The moment we totally commit ourselves and begin giving 100 percent, a certain momentum develops. People naturally gravitate to those who are fully committed and start working in the same direction. Total commitment results in a certain, magical boldness – a boldness that has magnetism and power.

In 7 Moments...that Define Excellent Leaders, I share the story of Charlie Jones. Charlie is a sportscaster who has covered several Olympic games in his long career. At the 1996 games in Atlanta, he was assigned to announce the rowing, canoeing and kayaking events – a situation that left him less than thrilled, since it was broadcast at 7 a.m. and the venue was an hour's drive from Atlanta.

I am your constant companion.

I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden.

I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command.

Half the things you do you might just as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly, correctly.

I am easily managed – you must merely be firm with me. Show me exactly how you want something done, and after a few lessons I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great people; and alas, of all failures as well. Those who are failures, I have made failures.