The Twelve Hard Truths Of Leadership You Must Embrace To Succeed 

“Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it to be.”  -Jack Welch

We must stay as objective as possible and face the reality of our situation as the top leader.  The following are twelve unique truths you must face and embrace in order to succeed: 

1.  You will have doubts and fears, but you can never show them.

2.  You must be equally comfortable flying at 50,000 feet in a jet fighter (strategic thinking and big picture vision), and walking in the trenches (understanding the day-to-day tasks of your team members).

3.  You will often receive little or no credit when things go right, and most (or all) of the blame when things go wrong.

4.  You will have to make tough decisions and unpopular moves that may seriously effect the lives of others.

5.  You will have to end relationships and part ways with people whom you care about.

6.  You are always on stage and always under the microscope, both at work and outside of work (personal life).

7.  Because you are in a high-profile position, everything you say and do is amplified 10 times bigger.

8.  You are not allowed any “bad days” or “off-days” and if you do have them, you will be judged poorly.

9.  Your energy, attitude, mood, and speed is your team member’s energy, attitude, mood, and speed.

10.  You will only be as good as your top lieutenants (the quality of a leader can be judged by their inner circle).

11.  You will be judged as a leader by the lowest 5% of performers and poorest attitudes in the organization (and not by the top 5% of performers and best attitudes).

12.  It’s lonely at the top.  You should not be looking for close friends within the organization.  Your people do not need another friend.  They need a leader.  That doesn’t mean you don’t care about, serve, and prioritize the success and happiness of each and every one them. 

These twelve truths are not good or bad, fair or unfair.  They just are.  You must accept them like you accept gravity.  Do you get mad or at gravity?  No.  Then don’t get mad at the truth.

Comment below with your number-one takeaway.

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I am a high-performance specialist and 7x author who helps successful people dramatically elevate their performance and achieve life-changing goals. My clients include CEOs, entrepreneurs, executives, doctors, law enforcement leaders, professional athletes and professional entertainers.

To work with me to dramatically improve your performance and transform your life, message me here or go to coachajmadden.com. 

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