6 Principles Of Effective Leadership

How to grease the wheels of progress in all areas of life.

Goose McGrath
August 19, 2023

Whether you are working a 9-5, just starting on your business journey, or running a large-scale organisation…

Whether you want to have better relationships, make more money, or have more impact on the world…

You’ll need to learn new skills if you want to get to a new level.

And today, I want to focus on one of the most important skills you can develop:

Leadership.

Leadership is a skill that will help you grease the wheels of progress in whatever direction you desire.

I remember hearing a story about John C. Maxwell teaching a group of university students.

The session came right after the launch of his book, "21 Laws of Leadership," and the room was filled with eager minds looking to experience his life's work firsthand.

During the session, John revealed that it took him 20 years to complete this masterpiece.

While everyone was amazed and eager to know the story behind it, one student raised his finger and boldly asked:

“I know you are here to teach us all about the 21 laws of leadership.

But I want to get to the bottom line…

What is the single most important thing I need to know about leadership?”

John looked at him, paused for 2 seconds and replied politely:

“The one thing you need to know about leadership is that there is more than one thing you need to know about leadership.”

That perfect reply from John got the student to sit back …and listen to him carefully for the next 3 hours.

And there is a great lesson in here.

Leadership is not about finding one magic formula.

There’s no “one-and-done” quick fix.

It's a multifaceted journey that requires you to develop, over time, and learn a range of different principles and ideas to help you deftly navigate any of life's situations…

But…

In today's digital age…

Where the constant dopamine release from scrolling has fried everyone's brains…

Leadership has become more complex.

Studies have shown that the average human attention span has been rapidly decreasing and is now less than 20 seconds.

That’s why it has become challenging to lead people to work together.

Also, the need for good leadership has never been greater.

Businesses, Governments, Communities, and even Teams are often looking for good leaders to help them.

But like John said…

There is more than one thing you need to know about leadership.

That’s why I have come up with 6 principles of effective leadership that I personally believe are incredibly impactful.

Now, to be clear, this isn’t a definitive list…

But these are principles that I have personally followed to accelerate our business to be one of the fastest-growing companies in Australia…

Whilst growing a fully-remote team of over 80 exceptional individuals...

…and being recognised as one of the best places to work in Australia.

So, my hope is, that no matter what your current situation, these principles will serve you well too.

But…

Before we proceed, there is one fundamental thing you need to master if you want to become a successful leader.

Self-management.

It's surprising how many leaders fail at this.

But, at the end of the day, if you can't effectively manage yourself, how can you set an example for others?

Self-management requires that you regulate your energy levels, maintain a clear headspace, and take responsibility not only for learning continuously but also for regular introspection.

Because putting the proverbial oxygen mask on yourself first, puts you in a position to serve others, and to apply the 6 principles of Effective Leadership.

These principles go beyond theory; they're actionable tools that empower you and your team to thrive…

Just as they've done for me and mine.

Here are the principles we’re going to cover:

Have The Hard Conversations
Lead with Empathy and Decisiveness
Model the Standard
Leadership Is Service
Ego is the Enemy
Lead with Inspiration

So, let's dive in.

1. Have The Hard Conversations:

When was the last time you avoided a tough conversation?

Think back to that moment when you hesitated, hoping the issue would resolve itself.

As uncomfortable as it may be to admit.

We've all been there at some point in our lives.

Avoiding difficult conversations is a natural instinct…

An attempt to shield ourselves from discomfort and confrontation.

And where did it lead you?

Misunderstandings, conflicts and less effective communication.

What may have started as a minor concern can escalate into a significant obstacle, hindering progress and affecting productivity and relationships…

But…

Here’s what you don’t know.

It wasn't your fault.

You just didn't know how to handle a tough conversation.

Here’s how I do it.

I use Kim Scott’s Radical Candor framework to handle difficult conversations.

Radical Candor isn’t just “telling people how you feel”.

It is specifically about Caring Personally while Challenging Directly.

But before we get into how this works…

Here’s something I always do to prime myself to navigate this effectively.

As a leader, your plate is always full, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or short.

Which is why it is wise to allocate a moment for self-reflection first.

Check-in with yourself…

Inhale deeply…
And zoom out…

Question your own assumptions, and assume the good intent of others.

Now once you are calm and clear of mind, you can use the radical candour approach to handle any difficult conversation you want.

Here’s how you can use the framework in just three steps.

Step 1: Seek Permission.

Begin by seeking permission to have the conversation. This creates an environment of respect and readiness for the upcoming dialogue.

Here's how to do it:

Initiate Consent

Start by asking if the person is open to having a potentially challenging conversation.
For instance, you can say, "Are you open to having a conversation that might address a few challenges we're facing?"

Explain The Purpose:

Briefly explain the purpose of the conversation. Let them know what specific topic or issue you'd like to discuss.

And how addressing it will contribute to their personal development and the overall performance of the team.

Consider Timing:

Give them the space to respond. If they are receptive, proceed with the conversation.
If they appear hesitant or caught off guard, offer to schedule a more convenient time for both of you to talk. This shows your consideration of their readiness.

Step 2: Care Personally

Demonstrating genuine care is the core of Radical Candor. It's about understanding the individual's perspective, showing empathy, and appreciating their contributions.

Here's how to put this into action:

First, Seek to Understand:

Inquire about their well-being and current state.
Questions like "How happy are you right now?" or "Is there anything going on in your life right now that might be affecting your work?” demonstrate your interest in their experiences and emotions.

Remove Blockers:

Ask questions that help identify obstacles they might be facing. "What's in your way?" and "How can I help remove any blockers?"
Show that you're committed to supporting their success.

Show Appreciation:

Regularly express your gratitude for the things they have been doing well. A simple "thank you" goes a long way in demonstrating that you recognise and value their hard work.

Step 3: Challenge Directly

Balancing care with directness is what makes Radical Candor so effective. It's about addressing issues head-on while maintaining a respectful and empathetic tone.

Here's how to do it effectively:

Clear Feedback:

Address the issue directly and honestly.

Provide feedback without sugar-coating, ensuring your message is straightforward and actionable.

Behaviour Focus:

When discussing areas for improvement, focus on specific behaviours or actions that need attention. (Avoid generalisation)
Avoid personal criticism and instead provide guidance for behaviour changes.

Collaborative Solutions:

Engage in a discussion about finding solutions together.
Ask open-ended questions such as "How do you think we can address this issue?" to encourage their active involvement in problem-solving.

Remember that Radical Candor combines both care and directness.

In fact, the whole point is that by being direct you actually prove how much you care.

Your feedback should be honest, empathetic, and designed to help the other person.

Avoid falling into the trap of being either too harsh or too lenient.

By embracing these tough conversations using Radical Candor, you can transform challenging situations into opportunities for understanding, learning, and resolution.

2. Lead with Empathy and Decisiveness:

There is a strong misconception among people about what a leader should look like.

“Tough, Stoic, and always have the answers.”

This couldn’t be any more wrong.

Not just this…

But most business owners think that they will lose respect if they show empathy to their team.

The reality is exactly the opposite of it.

Empathy is the greatest strength of a True Leader.

It shows that you really care about your community.

Like Simon Sinek once said:

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge."

And how do you take care of those in your charge?

You empathise with their situation and solve problems with decisiveness.

Remember, Decisiveness is equally important as Empathy.

Because nothing says “weak leader” more than “indecisiveness.”

So make necessary decisions on time.

And remember, it's not about making haphazard and hasty judgments...

But rather about confidently choosing a path after careful consideration.

Gather the information, consider the pros and cons and make the final decision in a timely manner.

Sure, it might be tough at times, but the call needs to be made.

Here’s how you lead with empathy and decisiveness in three steps:

Step 1: Understand and Connect

Empathy starts with understanding. Take the time to truly grasp the perspectives, emotions, and needs of the people involved.
Listen actively, ask questions, and create an environment where others feel heard. This builds a foundation of trust and connection.

Step 2: Analyse and Decide

Combine empathy with the strength of decisive action.
Gather information, weigh options, and consider the impact of your choices on individuals and the team as a whole. Make informed and definite decisions on time and explain the reasons behind them.
A great way to think this through is by asking:
- What is the upside?
- What is the downside?
- Can I live with the downside?

Step 3: Communicate and Support

Clear communication is the key. Articulate your decisions openly and acknowledge any challenges or concerns that might arise.

Show that you're not just leading from a distance but ready to support and guide your team through the execution of those decisions.

Not just that…

When you lead with Empathy and Decisiveness, your team feels supported and understood.

When open communication becomes the norm…

Barriers dissolve, and a steady stream of ideas flow.

This dynamic exchange serves as the catalyst, giving birth to a culture of innovation.

A place where your teammates innovate and growth becomes second nature.

3. Model the Standard.

"When the Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Then, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised. If you don't trust the people, you make them untrustworthy."

This timeless wisdom from Lao-Tzu in the Tao Te Ching speaks volumes about leadership.

Lao-Tzu's essence lies in this idea:

A leader who operates with a subtle touch and not in search of personal glory earns the respect and trust of the people.

This idea of leading with an "invisible hand" means that the best leaders inspire and influence their teams without imposing their authority.

They model the standard through their actions.

They demonstrate the values and qualities they expect from their team members.

It's about demonstrating the standards they've set.

Living those standards each day.

It's a reminder that actions have a louder resonance than mere words.

For leaders, this principle translates to something vital: The standards you walk past are the standards you accept.

It's not only about living those standards yourself but ensuring they're upheld by everyone around you.

So whether you are a business owner, a community leader or a project manager, remember…

Eyes are on you.

Every little nuance – your punctuality, your organisational skills, and how you interact with those around you – doesn't go unnoticed.

And no matter how eloquently you can articulate your vision or values, it's your actions that leave an indelible mark.

In fact, I remember a scene from the show Silicon Valley:

Richard, the main character and CEO of Pied Piper, watched his company crumble as his team's trust dwindled.

Half of his employees abandoned the ship, leaving behind a mountain of unfinished tasks.

A galvanising pep talk might have once rekindled their belief in the vision.

But motivational speaking wasn't Richard's forte.

Instead, he did something remarkable.

Richard threw himself into the work, tirelessly slogging away for 48 unbroken hours.

When his remaining team checked in, they witnessed an unyielding spirit and a relentless drive.

Richard's commitment reignited their own, and soon every seat was filled, every hand at work.

His dedication sent a potent message: he was in it for the long haul, unwavering in his commitment.

And as a result, by modelling the standard, Richard inspired his team to action.

Now, this doesn’t downplay the significance of good communication in leadership.

Being articulate is undeniably powerful.

But, as the old adage goes, actions speak louder than words.

When you lead, do so with conviction and consistency.

Live the standards you set, and ensure they’re lived by all around you.

And remember, you don't just set the standard; you become the standard.

4. Leadership Is Service

"Then said a rich man, 'Speak to us of Giving.' And he answered: You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."

These evocative lines from Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet” encapsulate the very essence of genuine leadership.

Being a leader has many “upsides”.

You get to make decisions, steer the ship, and have the final say.

But true leadership is less about the perks and more about the privilege of serving.

As Gibran said: “It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."

And this is the cornerstone of servant leadership.

Servant leadership flips the traditional “Command and Control” leadership model on its head.

It basically puts the team, the organisation, and the mission, at the top and the leaders at the bottom.

But that doesn't mean that all of a sudden, your team are giving you orders and telling you what to do.

It means that you, as a leader, know that your primary responsibility is to serve the needs of the organisation, the mission, and the people in your charge.

As opposed to building a mini fiefdom where your team exists to serve your whims and desires.

And there is a lot of evidence to suggest that this model creates far superior outcomes.

"Performance goes through the roof," says Art Barter, founder and CEO of the Servant Leadership Institute

"Magic happens," agrees Pat Falotico, a former executive leader at IBM who is now CEO of the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.

Here's how to practise Servant Leadership in just 3 small steps:

Step 1: Elevate Others Before Yourself

Shift your focus from your own needs to the needs of the organisation, the team, and the mission.
Listen actively to understand other people's challenges, aspirations, and concerns. By elevating others, you create a foundation of trust and respect.

Step 2: Support Growth and Development

Empower your team to grow and excel. Provide opportunities for skill-building, mentorship, and personal development.
Your role is to enable their success, nurturing their potential within the organisation.

Step 3: Lead by Example

Demonstrate the qualities you expect from your team. Show humility, integrity, and a willingness to serve.
Your actions set the tone for the culture you want to foster.

That’s how you can practise Leadership As Service within your teams and promote an environment where everyone thrives.

5. Ego is the Enemy:

As you take on bigger roles or responsibilities, it’s easy to feel more important.

People might start agreeing with everything you say or laugh at all your jokes.

All of these tickle the ego.

And when the ego is tickled… it grows.

And it distorts your sense of reality.

A bit of ego can be a good thing, but too much can become toxic.

A healthy amount of ego can help you go after what you want.

Whether it be starting a new venture, or going on a new adventure.

The ego can be beneficial as long as you know how to manage it and keep it under control.

So how do you keep your ego in check as an effective leader?

Here’s how:

Step 1: Take Time To Reflect.

Take intentional moments for self-reflection.
Consider your decisions and actions – are they driven by genuine intentions or the desire for ego gratification? This will help you understand your motivations deeply.

Step 2: Seek Honest Feedback

Proactively seek feedback from those you trust and surround yourself with individuals who are willing to provide candid insights.
Their perspective can serve as a reality check, helping you identify instances where your ego might be overshadowing your judgement.

Step 3: Stay Curious and Humble.

Cultivate an attitude of continuous learning and humility.

Approach situations with an open mind, acknowledging that there's always more to discover.

Follow these three steps to ensure that your decisions prioritise the well-being of everyone and are not sourced by your ego.

Always remember that wisdom thrives in the absence of a rigid ego.

6. Lead with Inspiration

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I love that quote because, to me, it exemplifies the essence of Leading through Inspiration.

A true leader yearns for something bigger and inspires their team to set sail towards greatness.

They understand that merely giving directives won’t lead them anywhere.

Instead, they believe in nurturing the passion within each team member to achieve remarkable success together.

Their vision becomes a guiding light and drives individuals to push beyond their limits.

We all know Steve Jobs's story…

And what happened after Jobs was fired in 1985?

Apple faced a period of decline and struggled to innovate and compete in the tech industry.

The man was the driving force behind Apple’s success.

And when he returned to Apple in 1997, the company was on the verge of bankruptcy…

So how did Steve take Apple from bankruptcy to a company that is worth 300 billion dollars?

One word.

Vision.

He cast a compelling vision for the future of technology and design.

He wanted to create products that would change the world and enrich people's lives.

Jobs was a master storyteller…

And he used his storytelling skills to inspire his team and customers alike.

He painted a vivid picture of how Apple's products would revolutionise industries and create a seamless experience for users.

You see…

Inspiration has a transformative effect on creativity.

When team members are inspired, they feel encouraged to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.

They become more willing to share their innovative ideas and contribute to the organisation's growth.

And that is why this last law of leadership teaches you to lead with Inspiration.

Because when you lead with inspiration, unity is forged, and the vision aligns.

And with that, we just completed the six principles of effective leadership.

In summary, these six principles can transform how you lead and influence others.

So, let's recap on what we covered:

Have The Hard Conversations: Tackle tough discussions head-on and create a culture of open communication that fuels progress.
Lead with Empathy and Decisiveness: Balancing empathy and decisiveness helps build trust and enables you to get things done like a true leader.
Model the Standard: The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. Set the bar high for your team by leading through your actions.
Leadership Is Service: Leadership is a privilege, not a prize. Put the needs of your organisation and the needs of others before your own, and witness the game-changing results.
Ego is the Enemy: Learn to keep your ego in check, foster loyalty, and create a work environment where everyone thrives. You’re never too important to pick up a shovel.
Lead with Inspiration: Inspiration will take people much further than authoritarianism. Learn how to inspire others to action.

Now, as we wrap up, I encourage you to take the next step in your leadership journey.

Share the insights you've gained with others in your team or network.

Select one law and apply it to your leadership practice this week and let me know the outcome.

And remember, leadership is a continuous journey of learning and improvement.

So, enjoy the process, and become the best leader you can be.

Until next time…

Stay Awesome, and Stay Powerful.

P.S: Whenever you are ready, here are a few things you might be interested in:

Learn More About Me: Check out this video to discover how I went from being homeless and broke to generating over $20m in revenue in under four years, and now travelling the world as a nomad.
Escape The Status Quo Quiz: Uncover your personal potential in the areas of Lifestyle Design, Business & Entrepreneurship, Personal Evolution, Financial Freedom, and Mindset.
1:1 Growth Consulting: Want to grow your business fast? Work with me directly to rapidly grow your business and unlock more freedom. Very limited. By application only.
Youtube: Every week, I release a new video designed to help you succeed in Business, Lifestyle Design, and Personal Evolution.

And, of course, if you know other people who might enjoy content like this, please share this with them.

Your help in building this community will be forever appreciated.