After talking about this topic at a Men's Leadership meeting last evening in Flint, Michigan, several men asked if I could post these points. Here they are!
Inspired by the statement, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"
Principles of Leadership Toughness
1. It's not going to be fair (leaders often carry an unfair load)
2. Leadership is an inside job (nobody is responsible for motivating you, but yourself)
3. Expect Obstacles (cute little fella) and problems (remain calm, remember it's not what happens but how you respond, remember the axiom "This too shall pass," and stay committed to the purpose)
4. Success is never easy
5. "It's a long climb from the bottom and a short drop from the top" (don't get cocky, and don't stop doing what you did to get success in the first place)
6. Winners play hurt (remember the phrase "Doesn't matter, doesn't matter, doesn't matter . . . . )
7. It's always worth it to be a hero (you'll never regret the times you gave of yourself to others)
8. To be tough, you must find the source of your courage
9. Being tough does not mean being mean, cold-hearted, bossy, or abusive.
10. The role of leadership requires the uniform of thick skin
11. Purpose is the key (you must be tough in the name of something. Find you purpose and live your life serving it)
Other points:
To make a difference, you've got to be different.
To make a stand, you've got to stand out.
You will be remembered for something, what will it be?
