Lee Ellis

As is often the case with children, the rule of __onkey see, monkey do_ plays out in the workplace. It__ hard to be good role model, and it__ one of the greatest challenges of leadership.

Leaders must be good listeners. It__ rule number one, and it__ the most powerful thing they can do to build trusted relationships.

Fearful leaders side-step issues instead of dealing with them, cover up mistakes instead of owning up to mistakes; they skulk back into the shadows and hope that the crisis__hatever it is__ill somehow blow over instead of facing their fears. Worse, they resort to lies and deception to cover up the truth.

Courage is leaning into the doubts and fears to do what you know is right even when it doesn__ feel natural or safe.

Good teams are committed to the team mission and to each other personally. Good leaders inspire and build this commitment and trust.

Leaders devoid of crucible experiences are likely to be overly confident about their ideas, and surprisingly more susceptible to fears; this is also true of children who are overly sheltered from facing challenges and experiences that help build their character. Courageously facing our fears in the difficult times gives us both humility and real confidence.

Professional accountability is a good thing. Without it, excellence is merely a pipe dream and even average performance isn__ a realistic expectation.

Over-communicating is the glue that holds a high-performing team together and keeps them focused in the same direction. And, it circles back to clarity. Without good, consistent communication, you don__ have clarity.

An honorable leader must demonstrate a willingness to reveal his or her __nner self_ to their team. It builds trust and trust is essential. It__ also a sign of strength and authenticity, and people are attracted to those who are __eal_ and authentic.

Persistence is important in every endeavor. Whether it__ finishing your homework, completing school, working late to finish a project, or __inishing the drill_ in sports, winners persist to the point of sacrifice in order to achieve their goals.

Affirming others isn__ __lattering_ them__t__ when you genuinely and consistently acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments, both large and small. Make affirmation a habit and watch what happens!

We all want to __ount for something___o make a difference. And, accountability helps us get where want to go in terms of achieving our goals and fulfilling our responsibilities.

Leaders can choose to grow and change, but generally the most powerful predictor of future performance is past behavior. Evaluate them realistically.

_some leaders don__ want to celebrate with their team because they are afraid__es, afraid that if they celebrate, people will quit working hard and lower the standards. I say don__ let your fear take you out.

Voters__ere__ the real challenge: we don__ need empty promises made by politicians whose only goal in life is to get elected or re-elected. We need leaders with attributes that qualify them to lead us through the difficult challenges we__e facing.

Good leaders know who they are__heir strengths, weaknesses, passions, talents, and values. And, developing leaders always starts with self-awareness.

To guard our character with unwavering commitment, our best protection comes from being humbly aware of our vulnerability.