Never Ask Anyone To Do Something....


....That You Are Unwilling to do Yourself

Being willing to take on hard jobs will help you develop this trait. There are always hard decisions to be made and bad news to be delivered.  Many leaders delegate this duty, or use email as a distribution tool. This is tempting, but ultimately self-defeating. It alienates employees and erodes trust in leadership.

Keep in mind that nothing is impossible for the person who doesn’t have to do it. Your team has to see that you are prepared to take on unpleasant tasks when it is necessary and appropriate.  Personal and visible action is most vital and most appreciated in tough times.


Good leaders understand when they must take the initiative to be the bearer of unpleasantness.  And they understand that bad news is best delivered in person and directly.  The recipients will appreciate it, even though they may not like it, and others on the team will respect the initiative and learn from it. And as a leader, this approach can provide you immediate feedback that will be valuable the next time you find yourself in the same situation.  There is nothing like being in the trenches to give you a taste of the battle.

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