‘Don’t try t0 fool your people. They can smell phoniness a mile away, but they also recognize sincerity and authenticity, and they respect it. That starts with the job interview. If they don’t like your honest answers, you might as well find out sooner than later.’

‘If you’re a leader, a lot of headaches will come your way, and it’s your job to handle them. But leading your people will give your life more meaning, more depth, and a stronger sense of purpose- exactly the things your people long for too. Always remember: leading is not a chore but a privilege.’

‘Don’t expect to coax your people from the shallow end to the deep end. They won’t go. Better to have everyone jump into the deep end right from the start.’

‘No person in your organization is more important than the team and its principles- including you. There are no ‘irreplaceable people’ but your principles must hold.’

‘You don’t have to be the smartest guy in the room. But you do need to figure out who is, hire them, and let them do their job.’

‘Remember, once you become the leader, you’re the bad cop. If your people like your assignments more than you, congratulations. You hired well.’

‘Don’t play favorites. Water all your plants equally, and watch who grows.’

‘Don’t try to predict who’s going to succeed and who isn’t. Get out of the prediction business. Get into the production and promotion business.’

‘You have to work harder than your people do– and they need to see that.’

‘Never expect your people to work harder than or to take care more than you do. So be sure to do everything you ask of them at least as well as you want them to do it.’

‘When your people bring you their problems, questions, or ideas, thank them.’

Source:

John U. Bacon (2021). Let Them Lead: Unexpected Lessons in Leadership from America’s Worst High School Hockey Team