One of my biggest mistakes was trying to build a business without building myself. On the surface, it’s easy to think that great leaders have always been great leaders. In reality, that’s the furthest thing from the truth! Great leaders are shaped by principle-based thinking and character-driven action.

When I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I thought I could muscle my way through any challenge. I believed that sheer willpower and hard work were enough to lead my team to success. But I quickly learned that without a solid foundation of personal principles and character, all the hard work in the world couldn’t make up for the lack of true leadership.

Principles You Can Trust to Build Yourself as a Leader

Honesty

You have to be keenly honest with yourself and others if you want to build the trust needed to open the biggest doors of opportunity. Honesty isn’t just about telling the truth; it’s about being transparent and genuine in every interaction. When you are honest, you create a culture of trust and openness. Your team will feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas, leading to innovation and growth.

Integrity

Great leaders make their yes their yes and their no their no. This means being consistent and reliable in your actions and decisions. Integrity builds credibility. When your team knows they can count on you to follow through on your commitments, they are more likely to follow you through any challenge. Remember, integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

Empathy

Leaders that care are leaders that thrive. Empathy allows you to connect with your team on a deeper level. It’s about understanding their needs, fears, and motivations. When you lead with empathy, you create a supportive environment where your team feels valued and understood. This not only boosts morale but also drives productivity and loyalty.

Service to Others

Great leaders don’t seek to be in charge; they seek to build teams that can take charge. Leadership is about empowering others to reach their full potential. It’s not about being the hero of the story; it’s about making heroes out of your team members. When you prioritize the growth and development of your team, you create a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Resolve of Character

Great leaders know that when there is an easy way to manipulate your way forward, it’s a road to nowhere. They choose to do the right thing even though it may cost them time, talent, and money in the short term. They are long-time thinkers. Resolve of character means standing firm in your values and principles, even when it’s difficult. It’s about having the courage to make tough decisions and the resilience to see them through.

Accountability

Great leaders give the praise away to the team and take responsibility when the initiative does not pan out as planned. They never blame; they always empower. Accountability is about owning your actions and their outcomes. When you hold yourself accountable, you set a powerful example for your team. It fosters a culture of responsibility and continuous learning, where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth.

Reflecting on these principles, I can’t stress enough the importance of continuous self-improvement. The journey of leadership is not a destination but a lifelong process. Every experience, every challenge, and every success is an opportunity to grow and refine your leadership abilities. Remember, great leaders are not born; they are built through dedication, reflection, and the unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of themselves.

These principles have been the cornerstone of my growth as a leader. By embracing honesty, integrity, empathy, service to others, resolve of character, and accountability, I have been able to build not only successful businesses but also a lasting legacy of impact and influence.

So, take a moment to reflect on where you are in your leadership journey. What principles guide you? How can you build yourself to become the leader you aspire to be? The answers to these questions will shape your path forward and define your legacy as a leader.

If you want to take things to a whole other level, learn more about developing an 8-figure mindset. Here 

Much Love & God Bless

Stephen Scoggins