First, be true to yourself, no matter what. If you haven’t already done so, take the time to write down the things that
are most important to you. Whether it’s family, friends, enjoying your career or making a difference in the world around you—figure out what motivates you. When you know your core values, everything else falls into place.
You might think that it becomes easier to make decisions the longer you are in business and the more experience you have. It isn’t true. The decisions get harder. The implications are bigger. With your values centering you, you can avoid the guilt that often comes with having to make difficult decisions. I’ve come to understand that decisions are really about giving up one choice for another. That’s OK.
It’s also important to be a coach and a leader to the people in your life, from family to friends to colleagues. The key is to understand the difference between managing and leading. Always try to lead more than you manage. Everyone comes out ahead when you empower people to make decisions.
Pick your battles. Remember those tough decisions? Save your efforts for when it really matters. When you know yourself, you know when to let something go and when it’s time to stand up and fight.
Which brings me to my last point: You are only as good as your team. Surround yourself with the best people. They don’t have to be just like you because diversity is good. Time and again I have seen that like attracts like. When you bring the best people together they succeed exponentially—and so do you. A good leader knows how to let her team make her look good.