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If someone were to ask what is your best piece of advice on being a good leader, what would it be?

That a most inconvenient truth is acknowledging the hardest job in the world – working on oneself.

To be passionate about life, would it be – plan as if you will live forever, live as if you will die tomorrow.

Authenticity – to always search for the truth in yourself and others – surround yourself with people who tell you what you need to know, not what you may be easy for you to hear.

During the tough and testing times – if you find yourself in hell, keep walking.

Gaining commitment – if you need to burn the boats, make sure that you do.

When angry or not in control – hold back on your tongue and bite it until it bleeds. Research says our IQ drops about 20 points when we ‘lose it’, which is why we say something we may later regret.

It was Charlie Tremendous Jones who said that you will be the same person you are in five years’ time other than the books you read, and the people you associate with.

More recently Dirk van der Walt (Executive Director of WeBuyCars) said there will always be a couple of people who stay behind and do not get promoted. After a while, they want to know why. Then you ask them how many books they’ve read.

So, what would your best advice be and is it embedded within your leadership brand?

I have mentioned a few examples here to get you started. Be prepared because as a leader you will be asked by people who have a hunger to grow.

As a parting shot mine would be what Zig Ziglar said – that you must BE before you can DO, do before you can HAVE.

Were you ever disappointed in being told that you were not quite ready for a promotion … or stardom?

Could it be?

I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams- from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.