Things I Wish I Knew as an Early Leader

As I approach 7 years in leadership I thought it might be interesting to reflect on some of the key concepts that I have learned in the 5 roles, 3 companies, and 2 countries that time has encompassed. Here's what stuck.

Pick Your Battles

Every day you will find that a process may be broken, a person may be doing something you don't agree with, someone said something incorrect, etc. You will have infinite opportunities to dive in and try to change or influence, but what I found is that not every battle is worth fighting.

Does the identified "problem" affect you or your team that badly? If not, then it may be worth leaving it to someone else, or leaving it alone altogether. Save your capital for the fights that matter.

Not Every Question Requires an Immediate Answer

I am in software sales, not emergency medicine. If I don't immediately react to a situation it is very likely that no one dies. In fact, if I don't immediately react, the odds of my reaction being effective (and less emotional) skyrocket.

Take a breath. Go for a walk. Or just think for a second. It can wait.

Give to Get

Otherwise said, give the benefit of the doubt. I learned this over the course of a couple of years of being the "no" guy. Even if "no" was the right answer, which by the book it was, it may not have been the best answer. Sometimes a little charity goes a long way.

That said, don't be a pushover. If you have been burned in the past due to your generosity, remember that when someone asks again.

Tough Love is Better Than No Love

One of the hardest things to do is give negative feedback. Conversely, the right team member craves it. Not because they want to be told what they're doing wrong, but because they want to know how to improve their work.

Don't be afraid to speak your mind, but do it in a supportive manner with actionable feedback. No feedback is worse than bad feedback.

You Cast a Shadow

I'll end with this important reminder, do with it what you want: you cast a shadow. In your capacity as a leader someone is always watching your actions and listening to what you say and how you say it. You now represent the company in a different way and set the tone.

If you want a competent, respected, professional team, it starts with you.

That's it!

I truly hope this post helps you formulate your thoughts and actions in the early days of your leadership chapter. And as I am always open to feedback, if you have anything to share about this post, please don't hold back!