Great Leaders Never Do “As If”

Like crows, we’re drawn to shiny new things—innovations and trends that captivate us. However, human behavior is timeless, and many so-called “new” leadership ideas are simply helpful reminders, not innovations. Thankfully, if we stay grounded, we can avoid the endless cycle of trends and focus on what truly works.

The essential elements of leadership are timeless. I’ve observed successful leaders—those who are healthy, happy, and respected by others—and identified 11 key habits that set them apart. These habits have stood the test of time and are valuable reminders for any leader.

1. Kindness & Values: They were genuinely kind but set boundaries, never crossing the line into cruelty.

2. Sharing with Service in Mind: They shared knowledge freely and listened to others, adapting based on feedback.

3. Self-Esteem & Esteem for Others: They were humble yet confident, respecting everyone, regardless of position.

4. Unpretentious Communication: They communicated simply and clearly, avoiding pretension and speaking honestly, even in challenging situations.

5. Immune to Politics: They avoided office politics, focusing on productivity and decisive action, earning respect without drama.

6. Reliable Follow-Up: They followed through on promises, maintaining a strong work ethic that inspired others.

7. Extreme Precision: They were meticulous in their work, ensuring everything was done with care and attention to detail.

8. Immune to Attention: They didn’t seek praise or admiration; their sense of self was rooted in authenticity.

9. Quiet Self-Reflection: They were introspective, accepting their humanity, which made them compassionate to others.

10. Love for Leadership: They enjoyed leading and inspiring others to do their best work, not out of obligation but because they felt energized.

11. Not Doing “As If”: They were authentic and never faked their way through leadership, showing their true selves.

While some succeed by cutting corners or seeking wealth for its own sake, true success goes beyond money—it inspires others, creates value, and leads to lasting results. These timeless habits offer a blueprint for sustainable leadership. Image: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels #greatleaders #keyhabits #sincereleadership