Over the years, this co-opted ancient-future blueprint for leadership has served me and the companies I have worked with well. While I can't say that I have followed this path 100% of my time as a leader, I most certainly haven't, but it has been a guiding light to get me back on the path of true and simple leadership that never fails.
Show Them The Way
Mission - where are you going, what is driving you, make it crystal clear
Ethics - what are the boundaries and river banks, teach it and emulate it
Character - be a trust-worthy and peace-full person, expect it and also live it
Focus - like a laser to achieve your goals which can be multiple and varied
Tell Them The Truth
Strategy - be clear about expectations and aspirations, both present and future
Performance - what are the possibilities and how can we individually exceed them
Feedback - openly and positively communicate what is working and what isn't
Transparency - be very vocal about everything vital to everyone's success
Give Them A Life
Culture - create an environment where every person feels and is valued
Compensation - as much as possible, take worry about money out of the equation
Benefits - as much as possible, take worry about health and well being away
Balance - care about family and self-care as much as cash flow and profits
You don't need a full business book to take these to heart. Put this triad of twelve points in front of your leadership team or yourself individually, work through each one with your unique mission and your own set of values. If you need help, let me know.
Simply, Tim