Leadership is often defined by results, but what truly sets great leaders apart is how they inspire and empower their teams to rise to extraordinary challenges. A powerful example of this kind of leadership is captured in the movie The Six Triple Eight on Netflix. This film, based on the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion—the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II—offers invaluable lessons in leadership that go beyond the battlefield. At the core of the story is a leader who exemplifies what it means to lead with respect.

In The Six Triple Eight, we witness a group of African American women who, despite facing racism, sexism, and harsh working conditions, perform a task many thought was impossible: clearing a backlog of millions of pieces of mail for soldiers overseas. The conditions were grueling, the challenges insurmountable, and the support from higher-ups nearly nonexistent. Yet, the battalion overcame every obstacle, because their leader—Major Charity Adams demonstrated that extraordinary leadership starts with respectful leadership that is not just about kindness; it’s about believing in your people, setting high expectations, and helping them see the purpose in their work, even when the world tells them they don’t belong.

The Power of Belief and Purpose

One of the most significant elements of great leadership is belief—belief in the potential of the team and in their ability to achieve something greater than themselves. Major Adams didn’t just ask the women in her battalion to do their jobs; she instilled a deep sense of purpose. She showed them that their work had meaning, even when others dismissed it as insignificant. For the 6888th, their mission wasn’t just about delivering mail; it was about supporting soldiers and families, keeping morale high, and contributing to the war effort in a way that no one else could.

A leader who respects their team makes sure everyone understands why their role matters. When people see the purpose behind their work, they feel driven to give their best, no matter the obstacles. The women in the 6888th weren’t just motivated by orders—they were motivated by the respect and trust their leader had in them and they carried that with them through their lives. It is not only a gift to the workplace but each soul that is touched by a leader of this magnitude is forever changed and that impact extends beyond the individual who is moved by it.

Setting High Standards and Leading by Example

Respectful leadership is also about setting high standards and holding your team to them. But it’s more than just demanding excellence; it’s about demonstrating it yourself and creating a space where others are driven to realize their potential. Major Adams didn’t ask anything from her team that she wasn’t willing to do herself. She led by example, working side by side with her soldiers, showing them what was possible through her actions. This also inspired them to believe in and respect each other where their triumphs and their failures were shared with humility and grace.

Great leaders understand that setting high expectations is a form of respect. When you hold your team to high standards, you communicate that you believe in their ability to rise to those standards. You’re telling them that you think they’re capable of greatness.

Conclusion: Leadership Beyond the Impossible

The Six Triple Eight serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is about much more than titles or authority—it’s about how you uplift and empower others to accomplish what they never thought possible. Major Adams didn’t just manage a battalion; she inspired a movement. By leading with respect, she showed her team that no challenge was too great and no task too small.

As leaders, we have the power to set the tone, to inspire belief, and to help our teams find meaning in their work. When respect is the foundation of leadership, extraordinary things happen. What seems impossible becomes possible, and the impossible doesn’t just get done—it gets done with pride, passion, and perseverance.

By fostering an environment where respect, belief, high standards, and trust are prioritized, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams, just as Major Adams did with the 6888th. The women of the 6888th left a legacy not just of service but of leadership that transcends time and continues to inspire.

I hope these incredible women inspire you too!