The following affirmations should be read at least once a month. Post them on a wall in plain sight. Use them as desktop wallpaper on your computer. And record them in your own voice to playback often on your iPod or MP3 player.
I am a leader.
I’m not afraid to decide. When anything goes wrong, I face reality, and decide what’s best for everyone, not just myself.
I know how to respond in an instant. Just do what’s best. Just do the right thing.
I’m candid in the moment.
I think on my feet, and when someone knocks me on my ass.
I’m not afraid to talk without a script.
I’m not afraid to make a mistake.
I take responsibility for my decisions and my errors—I take “blame” out of the leadership equation.
I tell the truth, so I don’t have to mince my words, or have to remember what I said.
I earn respect.
I earn trust.
I select the best people to help me lead (not my best friends)—I will attract the best people in the country, and the best people in the world.
When people offer their help, I will accept their offers as often as I can.
I set goals with my people, not for them.
I stand up for what is right.
I won’t back down from those who seek to harm us.
I won’t back down from those who oppose freedom.
I speak from strength and conviction.
I listen with the intent to understand.
I don’t ask for respect, I earn it.
People may not like my decisions,
But they will like me personally.
I am resilient.
I recover quickly and with a resilient attitude.
I resolve to do better next time.
I do everything I can to build and maintain my reputation.
I’m not just a leader. I’m a student of leadership.
The Golden Rule of Leadership, and Life.
I don’t believe The Golden Rule applies to leadership.
The real world of snap decisions, safety, success, emergencies, competition, and events on the edges of reality may create a leadership mindset that precludes “Golden Rule thinking.”
You can’t always employ the do unto others process. In fact, it’s probably not even in your mind as you process decisions, and delegate tasks.
There’s a simpler rule of leadership that will help you achieve more, cause less doubt among your people, and actually ensure long-term success—even legacy.
DO THE RIGHT THING ALL THE TIME.
Simple, meaningful, effective, and powerful.
Excerpted from Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Book of Leadership
