15 Things That Are in Your Control as a Leader

You can't prevent every miscommunication. You can't make everyone get along. You can't please everyone. You can't plan every step of the way perfectly because you can't predict the future. Your to-do list will never be complete. You can't read everything. You can't have all the answers.

So, what can you do as a leader? Here are 15 things that are in your control - things you can start doing today.

1. You can build the skills and the courage to realign with others after miscommunications.

2. You can create the conditions for meaningful dialogue that harnesses the best thinking in the room on the right next steps.

3. You can build trust so those little annoyances roll off like water.

4. You can share your reasoning with confidence while being open about the areas in which you would like input.

5. You can do the necessary work to know yourself and know what you want.

6. You can deepen your roots to what matters most so that little can throw you off focus.

7. You can strengthen your relationship to yourself so that you are a rock.

8. You can increase your capacity to wait in limbo and to not know the right next step.

9. You can learn to trust the process.

10. You can practice empathy—truly trying to understand where someone else is coming from.

11. You can enjoy the moments of rest and renewal. (These might show up as setbacks and lulls. You can learn to recognize them for the opportunity they bring.)

12. You can continue to educate yourself in your area of expertise.

13. You can copy parts of those whom you admire.

14. You can be authentic.

15. You can enjoy the ride, even the bumpy parts.