After 15+ years leading teams...
I've learned the uncomfortable truth:
Power moves aren't what make great leaders
These 10 qualities do:
Listening
↳ It's not about waiting for your turn to speak
↳ You'd be amazed at what people tell you when you truly listen
Empathy
↳ Stop trying to be right all the time
↳ Start trying to understand why others feel right
↳ The gap between perspectives is where solutions live
Adaptability
↳ Your perfect plan will face challenges. Guaranteed
↳ Success isn't about having the right strategy - it's about pivoting faster than everyone else
Dedication
↳ Show up consistently. Especially when it's hard
↳ Your team doesn't just need your inspiration - they need your presence
Ethics
↳ Shortcuts are tempting. They always are
↳ But trust takes years to build and seconds to break. Choose wisely
Respect
↳ Treat the intern with the same respect as the CEO
↳ Because titles don't determine value, actions do
Support
↳ Your job isn't to shine. It's to help others shine brighter
↳ Effective leaders are the ones you barely notice
Humility
↳ You're going to make mistakes. Often
↳ Admit it quickly, learn from it immediately, and move forward deliberately
Inclusion
↳ Different voices aren't nice to have - they're essential
↳ If everyone in your room thinks alike, you're in the wrong room
Patience
↳ Meaningful change takes time and patience
↳ The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago
↳ The second-best time? Today
I see this often in medicine and business.
True leadership isn't about control.
It's about empowerment.
What’s your favorite leadership trait?