By Peter Jeff
The Leadership Mints Guy

Here’s an idea to bring out the best in your team. Reading time: 3:23.

The executive offered a champagne toast, sipping the bubbly out of one of her high heel shoes. Her staff was astounded as she playfully kicked off her shoe; reached into a box of new shoes; held one of the new patent leather shoes as if it were a glass and began pouring the champagne in it.

Maybe the strain of the highly stressful but successful project just completed had finally gotten the best of her.

“You are the best. You deserve more than a traditional toast for all the work you did in making this project a success.”

The executive had a method to her madness. She used the champagne-in-a-slipper toast as a leadership lesson that few ever have forgotten.

Turns out those fairy tale writers may have been on to something when they told of heroes drinking out of a slipper.

Scientists say the leather in the slipper accentuates the flavor and aroma of the champagne. The leather contains nitrogen which brings out the best flavor in the champagne.

That’s what leaders do. They bring out the best in others. They build teams two by two. It all begins with that first pairing, that first combination of talents that stirs the creative pot and brings out the best in each.

Savor some peanuts and chocolate together or German Beer and black radishes or a martini and an olive and you’ll taste the leadership difference -where protein taste agents bring out the best in the carbohydrates.

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