5 Fundamental Principles of Leadership for Managers

Proficiency in leadership doesn't always follow tenure.

While tenure provides experience, without a growth mindset and a desire to learn, skill doesn't automatically improve.

Take golfers as an example; plenty of golfers have played for decades, and rarely do they improve. The same is true in leadership. Tenure doesn't always equal leadership.

However, in leadership, there are a few basic principles that, if you know them, can help you shorten your timeline to proficiency and deliver better results.

Before we get there, let's level set on what a principle is and where these came from.  A principle, by definition, is a concisely worded statement of truth that transcends circumstances. They are cornerstones to rely on and lean on to help with comprehension and application.

Most of these principles are drawn from our research studying world-class leadership and my book Building the Best.  Hopefully, they help you focus your efforts and solve some of your people problems.

So let’s dig in.

#1: First Who, Then What

Your product is your people, especially if you plan on being around for a long time.  A restaurant indeed needs good food, and a technology company needs excellent software. But how those things are delivered and what innovation arises is from people. Anytime I work with a manager, regardless of their title or industry, I tell them a principle I learned from Jim Collins, "First who, then what."

So it's not about what you do or how you do it; it's about who you have on the team. It's about getting the right people in the right seats first. Then, once that's in place (which never ends), you lean into culture and relationships.

#2: Without Strong Relationships, You Can't Lead

Your competence is not your solution; your ability to connect and build trust with team members is.

Too often, managers ride in town on their accountability horse, and while personal responsibility and accountability are central to any high-performing team, trust and relationships come first.  

Whenever I teach the Accelerate Leadership program, I remind leaders, "Rules before relationships lead to rebellion."  So invest in relationships. You don't need or even want to be best friends, but you do need to respect and trust each other. That, my friends, is earned.

#3: People Persevere Because of Purpose, Not Pay

Money is a motivator, but purpose is inspiring and sustaining.  Since everyone is motivated by different things, and managers might not have much control over how much money someone can make, they must rely on something that sustains.  

Anytime one of our coaches works with a manager, they remind them, "Great leaders make the mundane meaningful." There are many positive examples of how establishing a shared purpose can help a team persevere through challenging times.

#4 The Instant Standards are Lowered, is the Instant Performance Begins to Erode

Some leaders have an aura; they command the attention the moment they walk into a room. Whether you have this or not, you must leverage standards to align the behaviors of your team.

To understand precisely how leaders get consistent results, it's helpful to understand the Route to Results. Leaders are responsible for setting clear standards. Those standards produce behaviors. Behaviors, when practiced repeatedly, become habits, and the collective habits ultimately lead to results.

However, while standards are the starting point for results, they can also be their downfall.  It's tempting to lower the standards for one person or a particular situation.  But tread lightly because the instant you lower them, the instant performance begins to erode. You have set a new standard, but it's in the opposite direction of your intended target.

#5 Someone's Best Performance Tomorrow Requires Personalized Coaching Today

99% of people can benefit from coaching.

The reason is that the vast majority of people will only go to the point in which they get uncomfortable, and then they stop. They often need someone else to challenge them to go beyond their comfort zone, precisely where growth occurs.

Unfortunately, most companies don't have the resources to invest in outside performance coaches, which means managers must play that role.

A coach helps others get from where they are to where they want or need to be. This often requires some personalized effort to help them get to the next level in their development.

Closing

Tenure doesn't always equal leadership. However, these five fundamental principles can shortcut your development and help you be more effective as a manager. Are they easy to remember? Yes. Are they easy to apply? No.

This is not the time in history to know what; it's the time to know how. Take one and focus on applying it today. Then move on to the next one.

Use your gifts,

John Eades

CEO | LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure

P.S. If you’re ready to strengthen the skills of your managers, I’d love to help. Schedule a Skill Mastery Workshop for managers in your organization. These 60-90-minute sessions delivered virtually or in person are customized. Skill Mastery workshops are 50% off when scheduled before April 15th.

P.S.S. At The Sales Infrastructure, we only work with a few companies at a time and focus heavily on sales execution. We help companies rigorously execute to improve their sales performance through training, coaching, and sales process design. We have one available spot to partner with a new company. Contact Dorthy Wood ([email protected]) if you're interested in improving the performance of your sales team.

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The Optimistic Outlook is now available wherever you listen to podcasts. Channel your inner John Eades and make your kids listen to it, then read it aloud to work on their minds and communication skills.

The Definition of Leadership (Video)

Step into the moments that matter armed with a renewed perspective on communication and understand why the 3 C's of Successful Communication is the key to leadership mastery. Watch now and elevate your leadership by mastering the art of effective communication.

When You or Your Company is Ready, Here Are Some Ways We Could Partner:

1. Accelerate Leadership OnDemand: Go from manager to leader on your own schedule. Our flagship on-demand course gives you immediate access to the proven Accelerate Leadership framework—no need to wait on your company’s timeline. The best part is it only requires a $99 investment.

2. Accelerate Leadership System: Save your HR or executive team time, energy, and effort while transforming managers into effective leaders. This comprehensive program includes virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.

3. Executive Coaching: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes.

4. Catalyst for Growth: Invest in your high-potential talent. This personal and professional development program boosts retention, performance, and leadership skills—ultimately creating a pipeline of future leaders.
   

That’s It For Today!