10 Leadership Lessons I Learned From My Dad

Today is my dad’s birthday.  I thought a lot about what to get him this year and I decided that he doesn’t need another necktie or dress shirt.

Instead, I’m writing an article thanking him for everything he taught me about leadership over the years.  Here are 10 leadership lessons I learned from my dad that have helped shape who I am today:

Lesson #1 – Write Thank-You Notes

When I was growing up there were a lot of people who had a positive impact on my life.  Unbeknownst to them, they had something in common…they all received a personal thank-you note from me (which my dad made me write).

As an adult, I recognize the value of writing thank-you notes and personally letting someone know how they have positively affected me.  Today, I keep a stack of thank-you notes on my desk to mail when I feel grateful.

Lesson #2 – Admit When You’re Wrong

In the 6^th grade I thought I was pretty cool and could get away with anything.  So the day we took our class picture, I decided to give the middle finger to the camera.  Shortly after the teacher distributed the pictures to the class, I was called to the principal’s office.

I was suspended for two days.

After receiving a long lecture and a 30-day grounding from my parents, my dad told me to write an apology letter to the principal and hand-deliver it to his office.

Today, when I make a mistake (which according to Michelle is often) I just admit it and move on.  Life’s too short to spend precious time attempting to rationalize mistakes away.

Lesson #3 – Develop Your Network                                   

My dad is a huge believer in the power of networking.  He still gives me lectures about how I should get more involved in the community and build more relationships.

When I was growing up, my dad introduced me to successful people who had reached goals similar to those I had set for myself.  I learned a lot by meeting these people and made some great connections.  Needless to say, they received a thank-you note from me after each meeting!

As a leader, you’re only as strong as your network.  It’s important that you develop and nurture it; you never know when you’ll need to draw strength from it.

Lesson #4 – Embrace Traditions

My dad loves traditions.  When I was growing up, he always found a way to make our time together memorable.  For instance, he’d buy me a Snickers bar on the way to my baseball games.  After practice, he’d buy me a Slurpee and some baseball cards.  These were little traditions we shared that I’ll always remember.

As a leader, it’s important to place a high value on traditions.  Make the time you spend with your people lasting and memorable to them.

Lesson #5 – Put Your Family First

My dad always put our family first, no matter what.  I can’t count how many times he left work early to practice with me before my baseball games.  He was always there when I needed him.

Today, I make it a point to always be there for my kids.  I want them to know that they are my top priority.  In the workplace, I emphasize the importance of family to my employees and accommodate any family-related requests I can.

Lesson #6 – Believe

My dad has a strong faith and he passed that on to me while I was growing up.  He made me go to church every Sunday, regardless of how much I wanted to stay home.  On one occasion, I was so upset about having to go to church I ripped off my dress shirt and threw it on the roof of the house.  Needless to say, that didn’t go over too well.

Today my faith is the single most important factor that has enabled me to become who I am.  I thank my dad for teaching me to believe.

Lesson #7 – Reward Assists

When my dad coached my soccer team, he taught us that it was better to make an assist than score a goal.  He would present an award at the end of each season to the player with the most assists.

As a leader, it’s important to focus on the success of those around us.  Oftentimes, we become so involved in our own pursuits that we forget the real function of leadership: to help and serve others.  I believe Ralph Nader said it best:

“I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”

Next time you’re running down the field with the ball, make a pass to your teammate and let him score the goal.  It will go a long way to the team’s success.

Lesson #8 – Reward Your Top Performers

My dad recognized the hard workers and rewarded them with special opportunities.  I’m a firm believer that 20% of your people produce 80% of your results.  It’s important that you recognize their efforts and reward them accordingly.

Lesson #9 – Rise to the Occasion

There are times when a leader has to rise to the occasion and do what needs to be done, no matter how difficult, messy, or uncomfortable the task may be.

Two years ago we lost my grandfather to cancer.  As hard as it was for my dad to lose his father, he put his head down and did what had to be done.  He was there to comfort his father during the last hours of his life.  He was there to help my grandmother get through that very trying time.  He was there to make all the funeral arrangements and care for everyone.

I learned a lot about leadership as I watched my father persevere through that difficult event.

Lesson #10 – Always Be There

My dad is always there when I need him.  Whenever I have a problem, I know he’s just a phone call away.

As a leader, I make sure that I’m always available, even if it’s just to listen.  I realize my team will work harder and respect me more if I am interested in what they have to say.

Happy Birthday Dad!

You mean a lot to me and I thought this would be a neat way to thank you for all you’ve given me throughout the years.

To my Readers -

I hope these lessons add value to your leadership journey.

Who has been the most influential leader in your life?  I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

-Scott

Scott Mackes is a leader and founder of the site “Margin of Excellence”. Connect with Scott on facebook and twitter.

Related Articles 

The Most Important Leadership Lesson I Ever Learned

Difficult Conversations With Employees:  6 Tips to Make Your Next One a Success

How to Turn Average Performers Into TOP Performers:  A 5-step System That Works

Everyone is Not Equal:  3 Reasons Why You Should Spend Most of Your Time With Your Top Performers