Good leaders don’t tell you to “sit down,” “stay in your lane,” or “wait your turn.”
People with a threatened agenda do that.
Good leaders listen to the beat you dance to and incorporate it into their vision.
They recruit you and make you know that you matter. They don’t scold you and consider you insignificant.
Good leaders know how to herd cats. They admire the diversity of independent thought and the contributions such thinking makes to the bigger goal.
Good leaders celebrate. They don’t berate. When you veer off course, run counter to the values, purpose, and mission you said you support, they hold you accountable, not hostage.
They raise your standards and produce excellence, not excuses.
Color outside the lines without drifting.
Be heard with elegant clarity, not bombastic noise.
Embrace what’s before you, friend or foe, because exclusion does little but grow resentment.
Wisdom is not a function of age; it’s the application of insight to produce results. So is leadership.
Lead well from where you are.