20 Lessons on Leadership by Michael Hyatt

Michael Hyatt is a Christian, experienced businessman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publications. His love of God, knowledge of the Scripture and wisdom from life's experiences make his observations worth reading.


Here are twenty random things I have learned from my bosses. Most of the best lessons came from the worst bosses.

1. Everyone on the team matters. No one deserves to be treated poorly.
2. Bosses create an emotional climate with their attitudes and behaviors.
3. The higher up you are, the more people “read into” everything you say and do. Stuff gets amplified as it moves downstream.
4. A word of encouragement can literally make someone’s week. Conversely, a harsh word can ruin it.
5. Hire the right people then trust them to do their job.
6. Don’t ever intentionally embarrass people in front of their boss, their peers, or their direct reports.
7. Don’t attack people personally. Instead, focus on their performance.
8. Get both sides of the story before you take action.
9. Tell the truth, then you don’t have to remember what you said.
10. Give people room to fail and don’t rub their noses in it when they do.
11. Be quick to forgive and give the benefit of the doubt.
12. Measure twice, cut once.
13. Don’t ever ask your people to do something you are unwilling to do yourself.
14. Respect other people’s time, especially those under you.
15. Don’t believe all the nice things people say about you.
16. Follow-through on your commitments, even when it is inconvenient or expensive.
17. Don’t be ambitious to get promoted. Instead, focus on doing a great job.
18. Be responsive to everyone at every level.You never know who may be your next boss.
19. Keep confidences. Make no exceptions.
20. Do not complain about your boss to anyone. If you have to complain, then have the integrity to quit.