One day, you become a leader, and suddenly, everything feels different – because it is different.

Leadership requires distinct behaviors and attitudes, some of which may come naturally to you, but many of which do not. For most people, the hardest aspect of leadership is the mindset it requires. Before you’re a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.
Without question, there are many ways to be a leader, from quiet to charismatic. We don’t prescribe one way of acting, but we do believe that all effective leaders tend to embrace eight “rules,” for lack of a better word. 

 
► What Leaders Do

1. Leaders relentlessly upgrade their team, using every encounter as an  
    opportunity to evaluate, coach, and build self-confidence.

2. Leaders make sure people not only see the vision -- they live and breathe it.

3. Leaders get into everyone’s skin, exuding positive energy and optimism.

4. Leaders establish trust with candor, transparency, and credit.

5. Leaders have the courage to make unpopular decisions and gut calls.

6. Leaders probe and push with a curiosity that borders on skepticism, making
    sure their questions are answered with action.

7. Leaders inspire risk-taking and learning by setting the example.

8. Leaders celebrate.

In this section of our website, we look at the practice of leadership from four angles: What Makes a Leader, Leading People, Organizational Structure, and Tough Spots. In each of these sections, the advice may cover a wide swath, but the rules reverberate.