Leadership Insights, Undervalued Principles and Hiring Strategies

Welcome to my newsletter!

This week's focus:

The golden rules of managing a team – what I’ve learned about leadership

Important and undervalued success principles – things to remember in life and in business

Recruiting top talent – how to find the right people for your business

The golden rules

I’ve run teams for 20 years.

I have also been fortunate enough to have had great bosses and met many great leaders who I’ve learned from.

Here is what I’ve picked up:

1. Lead by example

Your actions are ten times more influential than your words, so lead by example.

If you want your team to do something, start by doing it yourself.

They’ll notice and instinctively follow your lead.

2. Seek feedback

Self-reflection is valuable, but seeking feedback is even more effective.

Ask your team how you and your company can improve.

Consider their input carefully and act on it.

3. Don’t assume

Never jump to conclusions about your team.

Most mistakes have a reasonable explanation, and sometimes their errors stem from your own decisions.

Seek clarity without blaming.

4. Encourage risk-taking

Create an environment where calculated risks are embraced.

Micromanagement stifles growth.

Just as plants need space, so does your team.

5. Build a strong process

Talent and charisma can only take you so far.

The systems you create are more critical than the individuals you place in them.

If results fall short, examine your processes before criticising your team.

6. Train your team

Your team will only perform as well as the training they receive.

Make in-house training a priority, led by yourself and your managers.

Sometimes, external training from professionals is also necessary.

7. Get to know your team

The golden rule suggests treating others as you’d like to be treated.

But that’s not always the best approach.

Instead, treat people how they wish to be treated.

8. Burnout is real

Overworking harms mental health and reduces productivity.

I say this as someone who often pushes too hard.

Encourage taking breaks, proper lunch hours, and downtime during the workday.