“Education is power,” Frederick Douglass said more than a century ago. But by “education” he didn’t mean just getting a degree and then coasting on that experience.

How important is your title?

Remember: Leaders are leaders no matter what the title.

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Can you say sorry? Mistakes—either by your followers or by yourself—will happen. That’s life. Admit to them, apologize, learn from them, make sure they can’t happen again and move on.

Do you say “Sorry”?

Very often followers turn away disappointed for the opposite reason: The leader forgot to acknowledge their accomplishments. True leaders always take the blame—but share the success.

Do you say “Thank you”?

Remember: Being polite doesn’t solve anything, but eases everything.

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Never take a person’s dignity: It is worth everything to them and nothing to you.

Frank Barron

Do you respect your followers?

Would they honestly say the same?

Remember: Respect is like trust—hard to gain and easily lost.

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Now, there will always be some who will perform so outstandingly that they just seem to generate more praise than others. There’s no question: It’s important to recognize truly outstanding efforts. But everyone has the potential to go above and beyond in some area. Watch for each follower’s strengths and find something to praise.

Are you watching that praise is not get to the heads of those praised?

Remember: There are many ways to motivate, but praise is the least common for adults.

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Some think having only friends is better than having followers. But in reality they either surrounded themselves with yes Sayers or have no followers at all. And the same is true when you only say yes to those that you follow.

What is your objective: To lead or to gain friends?

Remember: It’s the leaders job to make decisions, not friends.

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