The Leadership Handbook

Become a Strong Leader

Anyone can lead, but becoming a quality leader requires a lifetime of learning. Some leadership discoveries will come from your mistakes, which often provide valuable lessons. Absorb these lessons and your errors, no matter how difficult that may seem at the time. As poet Archibald MacLeish said, “There’s only one thing more painful than learning from experience, and that is not learning from experience.”

Leadership Lessons

To be a leader, you must be courageous, take risks and accept responsibility. Put the following 26 leadership lessons to work, not as theory but as practical and appropriate action.

1. “If it’s lonely at the top, you’re not doing something right” – Leaders don’t reach the top of the mountain on their own; they need help. Leaders should reciprocate and help those they lead climb as well. The focus of leadership is people, so develop your people skills. Routinely stroll through your office to interact personally with your staff members.
2. “The toughest person to lead is always yourself” – Leaders cannot always see themselves objectively. To gain an honest appraisal...