Growing older in the world of business is not just an age counter incrementing; it’s a treasure trove of experiences, lessons, and, unfortunately, regrets. As a CEO, your journey involves a mix of success and missteps. It’s a never-ending learning experience, which is why it’s invaluable to benefit from the wisdom of those who’ve been at it longer. Here are 21 harsh leadership truths I know at 63 that I wish I had understood at 35.
- Take Care of Your Health – Your health has a direct impact on your decision-making and energy levels. Make time for self-care.
- You’re Not Indispensable – One of the biggest illusions CEOs often have is that they are irreplaceable. Your business should be bigger than you; if it can’t run without you, it’s not sustainable.
- Who Before How – Before figuring out how to do something, focus on assembling the right team. The right people will help find the best “how.”
- Perfect Is the Enemy of Good – Striving for perfection can stifle progress. Make “good enough” your friend and improve iteratively.
- Vulnerability is Strength – Being open about your struggles and weaknesses can actually make you more relatable and effective as a leader.
- Leadership Isn’t About You – It’s about serving others. Your success as a leader is measured by the success of your team, not just your own achievements.
- Charisma Doesn’t Equal Leadership – Charisma can open doors, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll navigate those rooms wisely. Leadership requires wisdom, empathy, and vision.
- Money is a Poor Motivator – While money is essential, it doesn’t hold a candle to purpose and a sense of achievement when it comes to motivating your team.
- Timing is Often More Important Than Talent – Even the best ideas and talents can fail if the timing is wrong. Be mindful of market conditions, trends, and the mood of your team.
- You Will Fail, and That’s Okay – Failure is inevitable. The key is to learn from it, adapt, and keep going.
- The Best Ideas Often Come from the Bottom – Be open to ideas from all levels of your organisation, not just the top-tier executives.
- Delegate but Don’t Abdicate – Delegating tasks is essential, but never remove yourself entirely from any aspect of your business. Keep a pulse on everything.
- Don’t Underestimate Office Politics – Navigating interpersonal dynamics isn’t a waste of time; it’s a vital part of leadership.
- Values Matter More Than You Think – Your company’s values aren’t just wall decoration; they guide decisions and attract like-minded individuals.
- Always Be Learning – The world is ever-changing. If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind, no matter how experienced you are.
- Work-Life Balance is Not a Myth – Burnout is real. A balanced leader is a more effective leader.
- Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast – You can have the best strategies in the world, but without a strong culture, they mean nothing.
- Your Gut is More Reliable Than You Think – Data is critical, but don’t underestimate your gut feelings. Experience and intuition are invaluable.
- Empathy is Not a Weakness – Understanding the emotional and intellectual standpoint of your team can be one of your greatest strengths.
- It’s Never Too Late to Change Course – You’re never too deep into a project or a career to make a change. Adaptability is key.
- Mentorship is a Two-way Street – You can learn as much from mentoring others as you can from being mentored. The exchange of ideas and perspectives is mutually beneficial.
Growing older and wiser is a privilege denied to many. So, if you find yourself on the north side of 35, take a moment to appreciate the wisdom you’ve gathered, and remember: It’s never too late to be the leader you wish you’d been.
I hope that you have learnt from these insights.
Cheers,
Jonathan
0408 748980
P.S. Ready to elevate your business? Here are 4 ways I can assist:
- Download my free book, “CEO Business Growth Secrets”, for strategies on scaling your business. — Click Here
- Gauge your business growth potential with our free 18-question assessment, providing personalised advice for improvement. It’s quick and free. — Click Here
- Listen to “Business.Focus”, our podcast featuring success stories from business leaders. Click Here.
- Schedule a complimentary strategy session or engage in private coaching with me to address specific challenges. — Click Here.
