As someone who has been a leader for the past 4-plus years, you’d think I would have a lot to say on this topic, but at the moment I really don’t.
I think right now there’s just a part of me that’s cut that portion of my life loose and is happy not to think about it. I feel like the less I let it rent space in my head, the better.
To be clear, it had nothing to do with the team I was leading. They are a terrific bunch of people and I miss them greatly. I care for them a great deal and am very proud of the time I worked with them.
That said, I will say one of the key components to being a leader is actually giving a damn about the team you are leading. Investing in them, helping them grow and taking the time to actually listen to them.
Don’t micromanage them. Give them the autonomy to do their jobs and don’t be afraid to get in there with them and get your hands dirty. Get out from behind your desk, come down from your ivory fucking tower and remember where the hell you came from once in awhile.
Some people think leaders don’t work hard, but they are wrong. Leaders work hard. Bosses don’t. There is a difference.
A former colleague of mine once said “Be firm but be fair” and it was one of the best pieces of advice I was ever given. Be fucking consistent.
A good leader motivates you to do your job well. A great one can inspire you to follow him or her to the gates of Hell and back.
It might seem they are few and far between, but they are out there. And when you find one like that, you feel like you can do damned near anything.
Well, I guess I had a couple things to say on the topic after all.
The Beginning At Last 
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