Most of us didn’t initially learn leadership in a classroom. Or even on the job. We learned it at home. At the kitchen table. In the car. A quick few words while walking out the door to go to school.
At the time, it felt like parenting. Looking back, it sounds a lot like leadership training.
Here are five things I learned about leadership from my mother as she was simply going about the job of being a good, attentive mom.
1. “Treat People the Way You Want to be Treated”
Respect isn’t situational. Not ever. Leaders set the tone in their workplace. And tone shows up in how you treat people—especially when it’s inconvenient, when things are difficult, when people are difficult. Let respect for others be your guide in every action, in every situation.
2. “If You Don’t Have Something Nice to Say …”
This isn’t about avoiding hard conversations. It is about moving through conversations and life with respect for the other person. Successful leaders say the hard things—cleanly, without unnecessary damage. They get it done and then move on.
3. “Finish What You Start”
Follow-through builds trust along with solid teams and successful companies. Good ideas alone don’t. Good intentions don’t, either. Both of those things are necessary, but completion—a commitment to seeing a thing through to the end—is what ultimately counts.
4. “Own Up to It”
My mother was very clear about this one. She didn’t tolerate excuses. Blame shifting was not allowed either. She was all about our taking responsibility for our own actions. Strong leaders do this, too. They also go first. Owning mistakes builds trust—it doesn’t weaken it.
5. “Don’t Run with the Wrong Crowd”
Who you spend time with shapes how you think and what you are willing to tolerate. Culture is built one relationship at a time. Surround yourself with good people who make a living doing the right thing, the right way, every time, and you’ll find success. Guaranteed.
Final Thought
None of this is new, and that’s the point.
The fundamentals—of work and life—don’t change. That’s why they are fundamental! You treat people right. Cleanly say what needs to be said and then stop talking. Do what you say you’re going to do. Own your mistakes. Choose your people carefully.
This is stuff most of us learned early on. It’s stuff that worked on the playground and, interestingly, it works in the office as well.