The Highlands Company has more than 300 certified consultants equipped to administer the Highlands Ability Battery. The roster is made up of career coaches, therapists, counselors, talent management professionals, and others. As you might imagine, their combined leadership expertise is impressive, so we had to highlight some of that knowledge, which is why we compiled this list of the best leadership tips from some of Highlands’ expert career coaches.

1. Respect your team’s time. Only schedule a meeting for a specific reason.
2. Seek to develop team members and give them control to work in the way that best suits their personal style and expertise.
3. Do not give up too soon.
4. Put your team members and direct reports in work roles where they best contribute. Make this an ongoing supportive coaching conversation.
5. Build your team to complement your driving abilities, i.e., if you are low in Classification discover who is High. Learn the Drivers of your team members.
6. Surround yourself with people who can tell you that you’re wrong.
7. Ask for a written one-page “Talent Talk” from each direct report and team members. This Talent Talk reflects a succinct description of the Work Roles where they contribute best.
8. Model self-disclosure and transparency.
9. Stay focused on the primary mission.
10. Pay attention to the trends.
11. Take care of yourself.
12. Go for the solution rather than the fix.
13. Do not think that only what you offer will get you to the next stage.
14. Support the team.
15. Muster determination and stay the course.
16. Be consumer-oriented.
17. Vocalize your core values.
18. Ask how or if the organization’s actions are out of sync with the core values. You have to ask the lowest people in the organization for that information.
19. Walk the talk.
20. Appreciate and utilize great diversity in gifts and talents, natural abilities.
21. Listen, listen, listen. The great leader is one who never says a word.
22. Understand the ramifications that the decisions you make will have on the organization.
23. Understand that leadership is a set of habits and practices that can be learned and developed if you are open.
24. Divide your days into three types of days:
    1. Focus days: you’re really on a mission.
    2. Buffer days: you’re cleaning up messes, responding to people, training, delegating, administrating.
    3. Free days: do none of the above so that you may refresh your mind. Most leaders work 365 buffer days a year, to their frustration and ineffectiveness.
25. Know how to control your anger.
26. Make connections with networks where you can be vulnerable.
27. Learn new skills and ideas.
28. Plan for succession.
29. Look at the long term.
30. Know your limitations.
31. Market your successes and celebrate what’s going well.
32. Commit to make a difference.
33. Commit to be a big thinker.
34. Commit to high ethics.
35. Commit to change.
36. Commit to being a sensitive leader.
37. Commit to team building.
38. Commit to being an effective communicator.
39. Commit to using power wisely.
40. Commit to risk taking.
41. Commit to being courageous.
42. Commit to inner strength. Live from the inside-out.
43. Radiate integrity. Who you are, deep down inside, always shows. Keep your behavior and thoughts consistent with your own highest values and standards. This will communicate them clearly to others.
44. Practice mindfulness and being present with others. This leads to deep connection, respect, and radiates calm, allowing others to be and do their best while in your sphere of influence.
45. Support others in their goals and creativity. They will own what they do on your behalf, and your entire organization will be stronger.
46. Communicate clearly, listen deeply, and respond thoughtfully. While you cannot control how others hear and respond to you, you can take responsibility for your part in the exchange. Remaining centered and connected with others will maximize beneficial exchange.
47. Be authentic, show initiative, take risks. Holding yourself in or back takes vital energy. Use that energy to create what you want in your life and career, and you will inspire others to do the same. Support others in your organization when they do this, allowing everyone to learn from mistakes.
48. Seek inspiration in and learn from creation. There is freshness, honesty, spirit, wisdom of centuries, simplicity, and wonder in nature. Remember that you are part of it. Being in contact with animals, plants, stars and minerals can remind you of your own place in the universe. – 1998, Hannah S. Wilder
49. Innovate.
50. Be original.
51. Develop.
52. Focus on people.
53. Inspire trust.
54. Have a long range perspective.
55. Ask what and why.
56. Have an eye on the horizon.
57. Challenge the status quo.
58. Be your own person.
59. Know your strengths and talents.
60. Know how to manage your time best.
61. Have a system for managing stress.
62. Work on your emotional IQ.
63. Set goals and keep yourself accountable.
64. Hold your team accountable to goals, too.
65. Have a half full cup. Optimism goes far.
66. Master the art of change.
67. Create value through action.

Thank you to Denise Taylor, Tom Tavantzis, and Sue Seel for sharing these inspiring leadership tips that truly reflect the traits of great business leaders. If you are a leader and interested in professional development and enhancing your leadership style, consider the HAB. We have a new Leadership Report designed for high-level performers.