Have you ever been in a position where you could claim something more for yourself — more recognition, more resources, more comfort — but instead, you chose to give others a chance to thrive?

Recently, Connor McDavid reminded us what that looks like on the grand stage of professional sports. Widely regarded as the best hockey player of his generation, McDavid just signed a two-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers at the same salary he was already earning. No raise. No cashing in at the height of his career.

That might sound ordinary… Until you know who Connor McDavid is.

The Weight of His Choice

McDavid is not just a star; he is the star. A three-time Hart Trophy winner as the NHL’s most valuable player, a five-time scoring champion, and one of only two players in league history, alongside Wayne Gretzky, to unanimously win MVP. He has redefined what dominance looks like on the ice.

In today’s market, he could have easily demanded a deal that far exceeded what his peers were signing for. Instead, he chose the same $12.5 million average annual salary he was already making. Why? To give his team salary cap flexibility, to keep the roster strong, and to keep their championship window alive.

His words were simple: “It’s about winning.” But behind that statement is something much deeper: It’s about we.

From Me to We

McDavid’s decision highlights a shift that resonates far beyond hockey.

• Me says: How much can I maximize for myself right now?
• We says: What can I contribute to strengthen the whole, even if it costs me something today?

This is a powerful lens to apply not only in sports but also in workplaces, families, and communities. When leaders move from me to we, they unlock collaboration, trust, and resilience. They create space for others to step forward, and that shared commitment becomes the seed of collective success.

Everyday “We” Practices

Most of us won’t face a multi-million-dollar decision like McDavid did, but we face smaller versions of it every day. Here are three ways to practice choosing we over me in daily life and work:

1. Share the Spotlight — When you notice yourself holding the floor, step aside and invite others in. This could be as simple as saying, “I’d love to hear your perspective on this,” in a meeting, or acknowledging someone else’s contribution before highlighting your own. Sharing credit not only strengthens relationships but also encourages others to bring their full selves forward. Over time, these gestures create a culture where recognition flows freely rather than being hoarded.
2. Make Decisions With the Whole in Mind — Before finalizing a decision, whether at work or at home, pause and consider the ripple effects. Who will this impact? What might they need to feel supported? Sometimes this means delaying gratification or adjusting your own preferences to protect the larger good. It’s the parent who chooses the family’s stability over a career leap, or the team member who volunteers for an unglamorous task because they know it helps the project succeed. These small shifts are where we becomes visible.
3. Invest in Psychological Safety — McDavid gave his team financial breathing room. We can create the same kind of space emotionally. This looks like responding with curiosity instead of criticism when someone admits a mistake, or encouraging open brainstorming without judgment. When people feel safe to speak honestly, they stop hiding behind masks and start contributing fully. That safety becomes the fertile ground where innovation, trust, and resilience grow.

A Bigger Lesson in Leadership

Connor McDavid didn’t just sign a contract. He modeled a kind of leadership the world is hungry for: one that prizes contribution over accumulation. He showed that true greatness is not measured by how much you take, but by how much you are willing to give for the sake of something larger than yourself.

So here’s the real question for all of us: In your life, in your work, where can you choose we over me?

Because every time you do, you build the kind of culture, in teams, families, and communities, that thrives not on individual glory, but on collective strength.

And that is how championships are won and legacies are created.

PS: This article was sparked by a story my husband, Craig Williamson shared with me about Connor McDavid not getting a raise. That conversation opened the door to deeper reflections, joined with the Me to We concept so often highlighted by my dear friend, Susan LePlae Miller. Thank you both for the inspiration that made this piece possible.