The Art of Leadership: Lessons from Experience

The Art of Leadership: Lessons from Experience

Leadership is not about titles or authority; it’s about inspiring others, making tough decisions, and creating an environment where people thrive. Over the years, I’ve built successful businesses, led teams through challenges, and learned first-hand what works—and what doesn’t. Below are ten crucial leadership lessons, drawn from my own experience, that will help you lead with truth, love, and empathy.

1. Leading with Truth

Be honest, always.

Honesty builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong team. As a leader, people look to you for direction, but if they feel you’re withholding information or sugar-coating reality, you lose credibility.

Personal Experience:

Early in my leadership journey, I thought protecting my team from harsh truths would help them. I avoided tough conversations and downplayed challenges. The result? They felt blindsided when issues surfaced, and morale suffered. I quickly learned that radical honesty—delivered with care—is essential. Now, I make sure my team knows where they stand, both individually and as a company.

Takeaway:

Speak the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Be transparent about the business, expectations, and individual performance.

2. The Power of Love and Empathy

People work for people, not companies.

A leader who genuinely cares about their team will always get better results than one who leads with fear or indifference. Showing empathy doesn’t mean lowering standards—it means understanding and supporting your team so they can reach their full potential.

Personal Experience:

When one of my top consultants was struggling with personal issues, instead of pushing for numbers, I sat down with them, listened, and gave them the space they needed. Within weeks, they bounced back stronger than ever because they knew they had my support. People don’t forget how you treat them in tough times.

Takeaway:

Take time to understand your team’s struggles and aspirations. A little empathy goes a long way in building loyalty and motivation.

3. Self-Awareness is Key

Know yourself before you lead others.

Great leaders understand their strengths and weaknesses. They also know their triggers and how to manage their emotions.

Personal Experience:

I have ADHD, which means my brain works at full speed, but sometimes, I expect the same from others. I’ve had moments where my frustration got the best of me, causing stress for my team. I’ve had to learn to pause, recognise when my impatience is kicking in, and adjust my approach.

Takeaway:

Regular self-reflection and feedback from your team will help you grow as a leader. Awareness of your own behaviours will shape how you interact with others.

4. Effective Communication is Essential

Say what you mean, and listen more than you speak.

Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned.

Personal Experience:

I once assumed my team understood our business goals, only to find out later that their priorities were completely misaligned. I realised I hadn’t communicated clearly enough. Now, I ensure I repeat key messages, use simple language, and always check for understanding.

Takeaway:

Active listening is just as important as speaking. Ask questions, clarify expectations, and ensure your message lands.

5. Leading by Example

If you want a high-performing team, be a high-performing leader.

Your team will mirror your work ethic, values, and attitude.

Personal Experience:

I expect my team to be disciplined, focused, and resilient, so I make sure I show up every day demonstrating those same qualities. Whether it’s making tough calls, staying late to close deals, or handling challenges with composure, I never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t do myself.

Takeaway:

Your actions speak louder than your words. Lead in a way that inspires your team to raise their game.

6. Embracing Vulnerability

A strong leader isn’t afraid to show weakness.

Being open about your mistakes and challenges humanises you and builds deeper trust.

Personal Experience:

There have been times when I made the wrong business decision. Instead of covering it up, I owned it, explained my reasoning, and shared what I’d learned. This not only strengthened my team’s trust in me but also created a culture where they felt safe to admit mistakes and learn from them.

Takeaway:

Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s courage. Admit when you’re wrong and be open to feedback.

7. Fostering a Positive Culture

A thriving culture leads to a thriving business.

Culture is built daily through behaviour, recognition, and shared values.

Personal Experience:

I’ve seen workplaces where negativity spreads like wildfire. If you let toxicity go unchecked, it will destroy your team. That’s why I protect our company culture fiercely—celebrating wins, holding people accountable, and making sure we operate with integrity and respect.

Takeaway:

A great culture isn’t an accident. Be intentional about the kind of workplace you want to create.

8. Making Tough Decisions with Integrity

Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Leadership involves making tough calls that impact people’s lives.

Personal Experience:

Letting someone go is never easy, but keeping the wrong person in the business hurts the entire team. I’ve had to make difficult decisions that weren’t popular, but because I made them with integrity and clear reasoning, they ultimately benefited the business and the people within it.

Takeaway:

Always weigh your decisions carefully, but never compromise your values for short-term gain.

9. Leading with Humility

Leadership isn’t about you—it’s about your team.

A humble leader acknowledges others' contributions and keeps their ego in check.

Personal Experience:

I’ve built multi-million-pound businesses, but I know none of it would have been possible without my team. I make it a point to celebrate their efforts, give credit where it’s due, and stay approachable.

Takeaway:

Humility makes you more relatable, earns respect, and keeps you grounded.

10. Continuous Learning and Growth

The best leaders never stop learning.

Leadership is a journey, not a destination.

Personal Experience:

I’ve invested thousands in sales and leadership training—not just for myself but to pass that knowledge on to my team. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you start falling behind.

Takeaway:

Stay curious, keep learning, and always look for ways to improve.

Final Thoughts: Leading the Inspired Way

Leadership isn’t about power—it’s about impact. If you lead with truth, empathy, and integrity, your team will follow. People don’t remember leaders because of their titles; they remember them because of how they made them feel and the difference they made in their lives.

Your challenge:

• Reflect on these lessons and identify where you can improve.

• Lead with purpose, not just authority.

• Remember, great leadership isn’t about having followers—it’s about creating more leaders.

  
  

Are you ready to step up?

 Mark Goode

CEO Inspired Recruitment

Mark Goode is the CEO of The Inspired Recruitment Group which originated with the inception of Inspired Selections a recruitment agency primarily focused on recruitment in the optical industry before branching out into audiology and pharmaceutical recruitment. New optical opportunities are featured daily here or if you're a business, looking for help with your recruitment needs, get in touch here