9 Things a Leader Must Do

1. Excavate Your Soul: Unearth Your Inner Desires and Talents

"Leadership success is the process of digging up the treasures of the invisible soul in order to bring dreams, desires, and talents into the visible world."

Discover your inner treasures. Successful leaders recognize that everything in the visible world originates from the invisible world of someone's soul. They understand the importance of becoming aware of their dreams, desires, and talents, and invest in developing them. This process often requires facing fears and obstacles that may have caused these treasures to be buried.

Take action on your discoveries. Once you've identified your inner treasures, it's crucial to take steps to develop them, even if they start small. Seek coaching and help to nurture your talents and dreams. Remember that what you focus on is more important than immediate results. Continue to express your soul-treasures wherever you can, and don't let past experiences or setbacks deter you from pursuing your true potential.

2. Yank the Diseased Tooth: Eliminate Negative Energy Drains

"Déjà vu leaders do not allow negative things to take up space in their lives."

Identify and remove negative influences. Successful leaders recognize the importance of eliminating negative energy drains from their lives. These can be physical (like clutter), relational (toxic people), or emotional (unnecessary anxiety). They understand that keeping these negative elements around can hinder progress and success.

Act decisively to solve or remove problems. When faced with negative issues, leaders take swift action. They either fix the problem or, if it's not fixable, remove it entirely. This approach frees up energy, resources, and focus for more productive endeavors. By quickly addressing negative elements, leaders prevent them from festering and causing larger issues down the line. They understand that sometimes, letting go of something – even if it seems valuable – is necessary for growth and success.

3. Play the Whole Movie: Evaluate Decisions Based on Future Implications

"Déjà vu leaders evaluate their decisions in the present based on how those decisions affect the future."

Consider long-term consequences. Successful leaders don't just think about the immediate effects of their decisions. They play out the entire "movie" in their minds, considering how each choice might impact their future. This forward-thinking approach helps them avoid short-term gains that could lead to long-term losses.

Prepare for potential challenges. By visualizing the future, leaders can anticipate potential obstacles and prepare for them in advance. This proactive approach allows them to:

• Develop contingency plans
• Make better-informed decisions
• Avoid unnecessary risks
• Seize opportunities that others might miss

By consistently thinking about the long-term implications of their choices, leaders can create a more stable and successful future for themselves and their organizations.

4. Put Superman Out of a Job: Take Initiative to Solve Problems

"Déjà vu leaders continually ask themselves, 'What can I do to make this situation better?' and then they do something."

Be proactive in problem-solving. Instead of waiting for someone else to fix issues, successful leaders take the initiative to address problems themselves. They don't rely on a "Superman" figure to swoop in and save the day. This proactive approach allows them to maintain control over situations and drive positive change.

Take responsibility for outcomes. Leaders who embody this principle:

• Don't blame others for problems
• Look for ways to contribute to solutions, even if they didn't cause the issue
• Are willing to step outside their comfort zone to address challenges
• Encourage others to adopt a similar proactive mindset

By consistently taking initiative, leaders create a culture of responsibility and action within their organizations, leading to faster problem resolution and increased overall success.

5. Embrace Your Inner Insect: Achieve Big Goals Through Small Steps

"Déjà vu leaders achieve big goals by taking small steps over time."

Break down large goals into manageable tasks. Successful leaders understand that achieving significant objectives often requires a series of small, consistent actions over time. Like ants building a colony, they focus on taking one step at a time rather than becoming overwhelmed by the magnitude of the entire project.

Maintain consistency and patience. This approach requires:

• Persistence in taking small actions regularly
• Patience to see results unfold over time
• Resisting the urge for immediate, large-scale results
• Recognizing and celebrating small victories along the way

By embracing this "ant-like" mentality, leaders can accomplish seemingly insurmountable tasks and create lasting change. They understand that sustainable success is built through consistent effort and gradual progress, rather than sporadic bursts of intense activity.

6. Earn a Black Belt in Hate: Develop the Ability to Hate the Right Things Well

"Déjà vu leaders develop the ability to hate the right things well."

Channel hatred productively. Successful leaders understand that hate, when directed appropriately, can be a powerful force for positive change. They learn to hate things that are truly detrimental to their goals, values, and the well-being of others, such as dishonesty, abuse, or injustice.

Use hate as a motivator for change. Leaders who master this principle:

• Identify specific, objectionable behaviors or situations
• Channel their emotions into constructive action
• Maintain respect for individuals while addressing problematic issues
• Use their hatred of negative elements as fuel for creating positive change

By developing a "black belt" in hating the right things, leaders can effectively combat destructive forces in their organizations and personal lives, while maintaining their integrity and fostering positive relationships.

7. Forget About Playing Fair: Give Back Better Than You Are Given

"Déjà vu leaders give back better than they are given."

Transcend tit-for-tat mentality. Successful leaders understand that simply playing fair or responding in kind is not enough for building strong relationships and achieving long-term success. Instead, they strive to give more than they receive, even when faced with negativity or unfairness from others.

Elevate relationships through generosity. This approach involves:

• Responding to negativity with positivity
• Helping others even when they may not deserve it
• Focusing on solving problems rather than settling scores
• Building trust and goodwill through consistent generosity

By consistently giving back more than they receive, leaders create a positive cycle of reciprocity and build stronger, more resilient relationships. This approach not only benefits others but also contributes to the leader's own growth and success in the long run.

8. Quit Self-Exaggerating: Embrace Humility and Reality

"Déjà vu leaders do not strive to be or to appear more than they really are."

Embrace authenticity and vulnerability. Successful leaders understand the power of humility and authenticity. They don't feel the need to exaggerate their abilities or accomplishments. Instead, they openly acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses, creating an environment of trust and genuine connection with others.

Learn from mistakes and accept feedback. Leaders who embody this principle:

• Admit their errors quickly and learn from them
• Welcome constructive criticism and feedback
• Don't become defensive when challenged
• Recognize that imperfection is a natural part of growth and leadership

By quitting self-exaggeration and embracing humility, leaders foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement. This approach not only enhances their own growth but also encourages others to be more open, honest, and collaborative.

9. Ignore the Popularity Polls: Make Decisions Independent of Others' Reactions

"Déjà vu leaders do not make decisions based on the fear of other people's reactions."

Prioritize principles over popularity. Successful leaders understand that making the right decision often means facing disapproval or criticism from others. They have the courage to stand by their convictions, even when it's unpopular or causes temporary discomfort in relationships.

Balance empathy with resolve. Leaders who master this principle:

• Consider others' feelings but don't let them dictate decisions
• Communicate decisions with clarity and empathy
• Prepare for potential backlash and address it constructively
• Maintain focus on long-term goals rather than short-term approval

By ignoring the "popularity polls" and making decisions based on what's right rather than what's popular, leaders build respect and trust in the long run. They create a culture of integrity and principle-centered leadership that ultimately leads to greater success and more meaningful relationships.

Last updated: September 7, 2024