Does being a leader take confidence? Does it require courage? Or feeling like you absolutely know what you are doing?

Yes, yes, and yes.

Does it require a huge ego?

No.

I recently worked with the leader of an organization whose mental model of leadership was that he is the king of his organization, and that everyone there existed to serve him. He most definitely DID NOT serve them, and he would allow no one to question him on his decisions or anything he did.

As I visited with people in the organization, I learned that NO ONE was happy there, and everyone was working on covering their a$$es and looking to leave the organization.

Here was yet another example of how important leadership is to the health and productivity, and ultimately, the success of the organization.

Here are some things to think about if you are in any kind of leadership role:

1. True leaders put their teams first. It is absolutely not about them as the leader—it is about what they as a leader can do to support the team.
2. Leadership is a ‘we’ rather than an ‘I’ proposition. It is about what WE can do and accomplish together.
3. People want to be appreciated for the work they do. And they want to be respected and trusted.
4. Loyalty, trust and honesty go two ways, but it begins first with the leader. When you are loyal to, trust and are honest with your people, they will return the favor. The leader sets the tone for the entire organization.

Research has repeatedly shown a direct correlation between the quality of leadership to the engagement of the employees to the treatment and retention of customers. It begins with the leader.

Please consider how you view your role as a leader.

Please know how massively you impact the people in your organization, their spouses or partners, and their children.

Take some time to think about what you could do better in your role as the leader. Think about what you can do to show appreciation and respect for your team.

If you agree, or if you know a leader who either does this extremely well, or needs to hear this message, Please Share.