1.
Listen to your team
Rule one. Always listen to what your team has to say, even if
you don’t like it.
1

2.
Make your expectations and feelings clear, in
the appropriate medium as often as possible.
Communicate as efficiently as possible
2

3.
Sometimes saying nothing is better than saying just anything.
3
Talk less

4.
Be an example
Be the type of person you want your team members to be.
4

5.
If you aren’t passionate about your business,
you’re in the wrong business.
Be passionate
5

6.
Be consistent in your behaviours so your team
knows what to expect from you.
6
Be consistent

7.
Make firm decisions
Don’t leave things undecided for long, and don’t waver about a
decision once you’ve made it.
7

8.
Find people you can look up to and learn from,
and follow them closely.
Identify mentors and role models
8

9.
If you trust your team to do good work, don’t interfere unless absolutely
necessary.
9
Interfere only when necessary

10.
Know your limits
Don’t extend yourself beyond your means.
10

11.
If you’re good at resolving disputes, step in and
resolve them as often as possible.
Know your strengths
11

12.
If there’s something you’re not good at, admit it, and work on it.
12
Know your weaknesses

13.
Don’t make excuses
If you make a mistake, take ownership of it and don’t pass the
blame to someone or something else.
13

14.
You can’t control or predict everything.
Accept the unforeseen
14

15.
Work only with people you can count on and trust.
15
Choose your partners carefully

16.
Do good
Commit yourself to being a good person and giving back to the
community when possible.
16

17.
Take every opportunity to expand your network
and expose yourself to new experiences and
perspectives.
Meet new people all the time
17

18.
Don’t be a robot -- let yourself feel.
18
Stay in touch with your emotions

19.
Temper your reactions
Hold back your reactions until you have a moment to clarify
your internal thoughts and feelings.
19

20.
Take the time to have fun with your team.
Have fun
20

21.
Before making a decision, know the pros and cons -- do your homework.
21
Research everything

22.
Think everything through
Never exclusively trust your instincts or first reactions.
22

23.
Hire only those you can trust to get the job done
(and to get along with others, as well).
Choose your team carefully
23

24.
Your team is everything. Give them whatever they need to succeed.
24
Prioritize your team

25.
Be humble
Don’t get big-headed about your wealth, influence or position
as a leader.
25

26.
Everyone makes them.
Forgive mistakes
26

27.
Don’t beat yourself up too much over anything. Move on.
27
Forgive yourself

28.
Be rational
Make decisions logically.
28

29.
Listen to dissenting opinions, and be fair.
Be reasonable
29

30.
There’s no such thing as “not having time” for what’s really important in
your life. Make the time.
30
Make time for what’s important

31.
Constantly learn
Read as much as you can, and take classes whenever you
have the opportunity.
31

32.
Work on improving your approaches, your skills
and your processes constantly.
Improve everything
32

33.
Don’t throw in the towel when a little extra persistence could put you over
the edge.
33
Never give up

34.
Transform your methods when necessary
If something isn’t working, change your approach.
34

35.
If you’re fighting a losing battle, retreat and start
again somewhere else (or in a new way).
Cut your losses when necessary
35

36.
Try not to make the same mistakes twice.
36
Learn from your mistakes

37.
Ground everything with data
Back up all your decisions, opinions and thoughts with hard,
objective facts and evidence.
37

38.
Stress is real and can interfere with your ability to lead. If it starts
setting in at abnormal levels, take action to reduce or relieve it.
Don’t ignore signs of stress
38

39.
Let your team know what they’re doing well and what needs further
improvement.
39
Give feedback

40.
Trust, but verify
Trust your team to get things done, but always follow up to
make sure the work is completed.
40

41.
Let people know they can trust you, and open your door to anybody
who needs it.
Be approachable
41

42.
Don’t play favorites; it breeds resentment and makes you appear immature
as a leader.
42
Treat everyone equally

43.
Don’t pursue close personal relationships with the
team
Be on friendly terms, but don’t try to be best friends with
everybody. You’re a leader, first and foremost.
43

44.
Use team-building exercises or other excuses to get your team
members talking with one other and having fun together.
Get the team together
44

45.
If someone helps you, make it your responsibility to pay back the favor --
even if it’s years later.
45
Return favors

46.
Don’t burn bridges
Never cut a contact completely out of your life.
46

47.
If team members leave or change roles, stay in contact with them.
Stay in touch
47

48.
Your personal life is necessary to retain your own mental health. Never
sacrifice it for the sake of leadership or professional responsibilities.
48
Don’t sacrifice your personal life

49.
Enjoy leadership
Try not to stress too much about being a leader. Instead, enjoy
all the benefits it offers.
49

50.
Even with these 50 rules! Because nobody knows everything, and no
one piece of advice applies to all situations.
Take advice with a grain of salt
50

51.
Follow these rules, trust your instincts and continually
strive for self-improvement. Eventually, through your
experiences and your efforts, you’ll become the type
of leader most people only aspire to be.