Blog: Creating Your Leadership Credo or Mantra

The word “mantra” has a few different meanings.  One of the definitions means, “an instrument of thought” (Wikipedia).  A credo is “a statement of the beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions” (Dictionary.com). A few weeks ago, I was writing up my thoughts on leadership to share with a new team member.  In doing so, I realized I created a list that makes up my personal leadership credo or mantra.

I would like to share this list with you and encourage you to create your own list.  The best way to make this happen is to find a quiet place and begin to write (or type) what you value in your own leadership and the leadership of others.  I think this list is a living document as I will constantly reflect on it and add to it:

Michelle Braden Leadership Credo January 2015

• End stronger than you begin
• Do everything with integrity and commitment
• Communicate thoughtfully and with honesty
• Always leave a place or person better than you found it/them
• Lead with character, pride and excellence 
• Lead without a title 
• Encourage and develop others 
• Give back
•  Guard against downward spiral thinking
• Pay it forward 
• Never look back with regret  
• Look back to learn
• You cannot change the past 
• Appreciate failure, it reminds you are human  
•  Lead others the way THEY want to be led 
• Always give your 100% 
• Inspire others to give 100% 
• Recognize  everyone's 100% is different 
• Value talents and strengths that are different from yours
• Value talents and strengths that you don't understand 
• Forgiveness is a gift to freely forgive yourself and others 
• Care enough to have the difficult conversations
• If the shoe doesn't fit stretch it or know when to give it away  
• Do your work as if someone is always watching 
• Listen with an open mind and genuine interest to learn 
• Know what sets you apart – what makes you great
• Be confident and humble in your greatness
• Help others to find their greatness 
• Give space for others to fail 
• Capture teachable moments 
• Watch your motivations they will define you
• Respect others
• Value diversity
• Enrich lives 
• Treat each person the same way you treat the CEO
• Raise the bar
• Be confident not cocky
• Be prepared to back it up
• You will be hurt
• You will be disappointed
• You also will be loved, pleasantly surprised and  honored 
• Do it scared – but do it
• Take the risk
• Ask for advice
• Ask for feedback
• Everything isn't fun but remember to have fun 

What would you add to your list?  We would love to have you share your Leadership Credo with us….