July 1989: Halfway through my surgical residency, I bought the veterinary hospital. My workload doubled; no way I could do it all by myself. Only one way to win: by having a top-notch team. How to do that? By becoming the best leader I could be.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. (John Quincy Adams)

“Leader” is a mindset, not a title. There’s a lot that needs doing in this world, and you can’t do it alone. Want it done? Lead the way!

Great leaders make a choice: to make their team a team of champions.  Sixteen great ways to show leadership:

1. Communicate. Not just what, but why. Explain, don’t just impose, decisions. If your best, most well-reasoned argument doesn’t convince, maybe you’re not as right as you think.

2. Treat each of them with respect. If they don’t merit it, they don’t belong on your team. Get them there or get them gone.

3. Listen and learn. Show respect for their input even if you disagree. Always consider: what if they’re right?

4. Your word is your bond. Never overpromise or underdeliver.

5. Define, delegate, and depart. Clearly define the task and your expectations; explicitly delegate responsibility and grant authority to someone; then step out of the way. Don’t micromanage.

6. Create, and insist on, a harmonious team. Everyone, including you, must concede something for the benefit of all. When every musician plays their favorite piece, the result is no symphony.

7. Seek critique. If “yes” is all you hear, you’re not doing your job.

8. Protect your team from each other. If someone’s conduct harms the group, do whatever you must – now! It’s your job.

9. Take one for the team. Always prioritize the good of the team and the organization over your interests or benefit.

10. Teach them. Be a mentor. Great leaders create leaders.

11. Demand personal growth. Prove your commitment: lead by example. Let your team know what you are doing to grow.

12. Innovate. Show your team you’re always trying new things; insist they do likewise.

13. Admit if you don’t know. Then task someone with finding out.

14. Don’t rebuke, redirect. Errors, blunders and failures happen; respond with constructive “next-time” input, not chastisement.

15. Trust your team’s talents. Each of them should have some talent that exceeds yours; if not, why are they on your team? Insist that they contribute.

16. Give credit freely to them. Don’t worry about claiming any for yourself. If your team succeeds, everyone will know who led it.

Real leadership is leaders recognizing that they serve the people that they lead. (Pete Hoekstra)

Anyone can be a boss. You can do better: choose leadership.

3 DAYS OF CHOOSING LEADERSHIP

Day 1: Think of some task or obligation – anything – that you’ve been holding on to. Today, delegate it.

Day 2: Think one thing causing strife in your team. Now, figure out what YOU must do to resolve it. Get it done! It’s your job.

Day 3: Do item 13, for something you don’t feel you fully know.

… interested in some inspiring tips on 99 other positive choices, and some exercises to get you started?