A little while ago a young woman, at the beginning of her leadership journey, asked me what I believe makes a good leader.

We ended up talking quite a bit about the different leaders I had encountered in my career. The many amazing people I had the privilege to work under and with. The qualities which made the people I admire most irresistible leaders. And the qualities I try to embody in my own leadership every day.

In the end it all comes down to a simple, plain and honest statement:

The best leaders are not driven by ego or personal agendas. They are simply focused on the mission and how best to accomplish it.

When you let go of ego and focus solely on how to best accomplish your mission, you will automatically do the right things, treat your people with respect and in the right way, develop their capabilities and help them grow.

Focus on the mission.

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