12 Leadership Lessons I gleaned for Individuals from Madeline Albright

Joining the parade of tributes to an outstanding diplomat from a complex background who was a standout in so many ways, I offer up these tips to aspiring legacy-makers from reviewing her accomplishments. They are not just for women, but for all ages and diversities.

• Have a value system you check in with frequently. (This is why we often start with asking a guest’s core values in our podcast episodes.)

• Give hope to others that they can lead.

• Don’t be held back from where you began.

• Patience – Don’t judge the strength of the impact you can have too soon.

• Sometimes your greatest impact can be as “the glue,” rather than standing out.

• Look for opportunities to mentor – and be mentored.

• Surround yourself by bright people and listen to them.

• Don’t get stuck in your long-held views if the situation requires adaptability/flexibility

• Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun in your work and outside work.

• Find creative ways of (silent) expression.

• Experience can and should lead to wisdom, an advantage young people lack, so be a perpetual explorer and try out new things.

• Don’t lose sight of your and the organization’s mission and purpose.

Call to Action: Ask yourself how many of these lessons you are already incorporating. Which of the others are on your priority list? I’m happy to have a conversation on how we can help each other with feedback on these lessons and staying accountable for following them.