1. Show your humanity. Demonstrate your personhood, rather than simply being a figurehead within your company. Doing so builds trust and, ultimately, respect.
  2. Know your staff. Make a genuine effort to get to know your staff. If you show interest in your employees, that care will trickle down to your customers.
  3. Admit when you’re wrong. Leadership is about accountability, not about confusing errors for weakness. A simple apology can go a long way, moving your team in a positive direction.
  4. Be quick to praise. Let your team know when you are impressed with their work, dedication, flexibility, or creativity.
  5. Be slow to criticize. Rather than acting on emotion, ensure that you have collected and analyzed all relevant information before reprimanding individuals or workgroups.