Here are 17 axioms to live and lead by most of which I’ve learned the hard way. As self-evident truths or principles, axioms are effective, timeless standards to conduct our lives and business affairs by. There are various axioms I use in my life. Even though I sometimes fall short, I have better results when I use the following than when I don’t.

17 Axioms to Live and Lead by

  1. It’s not who’s right. It’s what’s right. Don’t point fingers when something goes wrong look for solutions.
  2. You can’t talk shit done; take action.
  3. An organization’s most valuable commodity is its people.
  4. The most common outcome of communication without checking understanding is a misunderstanding.
  5. Help comes from empathy, not sympathy.
  6. An employee’s character is more important than skill or knowledge.
  7. Many employees believe personal recognition, being part of a team, and having a boss they can talk with to be the most important ingredients to job satisfaction.
  8. Don’t make your problems your customer’s problem. Under-promise and over-deliver, or better yet, make promises you can keep and then keep them.
  9. Don’t get stopped by what can’t be done; concentrate on what can be done.
  10. Don’t dwell on what you cannot control; concentrate on improving what you can control.
  1. If people did not need leadership, guidance, and direction, no one would need managers. So, don’t expect your team to do it on their own without your leadership and direction.
  2. Don’t base communication on the assumption others think like you do – they probably don’t.
  3. Don’t assume others learn as you learn. Learn how they learn. Train how they learn.
  4. Use The PINCH Theory for conflict resolution. The PINCH Theory for conflict resolution says people will have differences in expectations or “pinches.” Left unresolved, these pinches might lead to disruptive conflict. Openly sharing expectations when a pinch occurs may avoid conflict. Are You Using the Pinch Theory Of Conflict Management?.
  5. Do not operate as a silo. Tear down your silos and work together.  How to Demolish Silos and Why You Should.
  6. Eliminate the word “worry” from your vocabulary. Replace “worry” with “concern.” Concerns fit one of two categories; you can do something about it, or you cannot. Either do it or let it go.
  7. Too often, we tell others how the clock was built when they only asked what time it was. Be sensitive to others’ time.

I originally used this list for a leadership development training course. Each trainee was asked to pick one axiom and live by it for a week. Which one would you choose?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Photo by Paico Oficial on Unsplash