Two Things You Must Master As a Leader

There are two aspects you must master when it comes to being a great leader.

The first aspect is leading by example.

Nobody is going to trust or believe you if you aren't willing to do the same work you're asking of them.

You have to execute the plan daily.

...but this isn't where most leaders struggle.

Most leaders struggle with the second aspect of being a great leader which is this:

You must hold your team and the people you lead accountable.

That means you have to learn to tell the truth.

Say it clearly.

Say it directly.

Say it often.

Even if it makes your voice shake.

The only way to reinforce the standard in a team and push the people you lead to perform at the highest level possible is by telling them the hard truths they need to hear to get better.

If they're cutting corners...

If they're falling short on the standard...

...or if they're fucking up...

It is your job as a leader to tell them and hold them accountable to the actions needed to improve.

Being "nice" and tiptoeing around the real truth to avoid hurting someone's feelings is ineffective leadership.

It's also dishonest and keeps them and the rest of the team from getting better and winning.

Nobody likes it when you hold them accountable.

A lot of people will hate you for it.

...But even if they hate you for it now...

They'll learn to love you in the future because you told them the truth and pushed them to improve when nobody else did.

That's what it takes to be a great leader.