The only purpose of leadership is to model the excellence and the values we want to see reflected in our employees. It’s not about being a manager – someone who manages processes or the customer experience. It’s about leaving people feeling inspired. It means becoming the model … the one who shows the way.

If a company’s culture is built around envy, self-centeredness and competition, it might create short-term success, but ultimately, it’s a total failure.

Employees who seek out your company aren’t often looking to deplete your bank account. They usually want to make an impact, develop their strengths and be a part of something really great. 

The best measurement of leadership is whether, after interacting with you, the employee would recommend you (and your company) to a friend. Time on the job, money earned or the facts of the case are irrelevant. The feelings that role models evoke are all that matter, and changing feelings takes humanity and connection, not more cash or perks.

Keeping it simple,

Misti Burmeister, best-selling author of From Boomers to Bloggers: Success Strategies Across GenerationsHidden Heroes and Power Suck.