By Dana Johnson
Becoming a great leader does not happen overnight, but it can be achieved through discipline, hard work and a commitment to improvement through experience. Here are my top 20 rules that all great leaders follow.
- Listen to your team. Rule one. Always listen to what your team has to say, even if you don’t like it.
- Communicate as efficiently as possible. Make your expectations very clear both written and verbally.
- Talk less. Sometimes saying nothing is better.
- Be an example. Be the type of person you want your team members to be.
- Be consistent. Consistent in your behaviors so your team knows what to expect from you.
- Interfere only when necessary. If you trust your team to do good work, don’t interfere unless absolutely necessary.
- Know your weaknesses. If there’s something you’re not good at, admit it, and work on it.
- Don’t make excuses. If you make a mistake, take ownership of it and don’t pass the blame to someone or something else.
- Accept the unforeseen. You can’t control or predict everything.
- Do Give Back. Commit yourself to being a good person and giving back to the community when possible.
- Temper your reactions. Hold back your reactions until you have a moment to clarify your internal thoughts and feelings.
- Have fun. Take the time to have fun with your team.
- Be humble. Don’t get big-headed about your wealth, influence or position as a leader.
- Be reasonable. Listen to dissenting opinions, and be fair.
- Make time for what’s important. There’s no such thing as “not having time” for what’s really important in your life. Make the time.
- Give feedback. Let your team know what they’re doing well and what needs further improvement.
- Be approachable. Let people know they can trust you and have an open door policy.
- Treat everyone equally. Don’t play favorites; it breeds resentment and makes you appear immature as a leader.
- Get the team together. Use team-building exercises or other excuses to get your team members talking with one other and having fun together.
- Don’t sacrifice your personal life. Your personal life is necessary to retain your own mental health. Never sacrifice it for the sake of leadership or professional responsibilities.
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