[2 Sentences or Less]

Attitude reflects leadership. So, there’s no clearer way to affect your team or organization then by demonstrating good leadership.

I’ve had to opportunity to manage and lead teams for more than 10 years of my career. In the height of the dotBOMB, my friend, mentor and manager gave me some great advice on managing people - his 3 rules of management. These rules were really the antithesis of the culture at the time, but it strikes a chord for dealing with people. (And treating them right.) Maybe you’ll find this useful in managing or participating in teams.

1. Give all the credit — Good things come from humility and encouragement. People become more willing to exert extra effort to get things done, when they realize you will acknowledge it - and cheer them for it. Good deeds should be rewarded!
   
   
2. Take all the blame — Nothing builds trust better than reassuring people that they won’t be thrown under a bus for a mistake. This doesn’t mean cover up for poor decisions. It simply means teams are built on camaraderie and trust. If you’re willing to backup a teammate in a bind, they’ll be more likely to support and assist you in the future.
3. Never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself — This one’s really self-explanatory. You can’t expect someone to do a task, if you wouldn’t do it yourself. There’s credibility in not dumping an unwanted chore on a a teammate. There’s humility and trust-earning in saying, “I’ve been there” or “I’d do this myself if I could, I’m grateful you might help me.”

The underlying themes in all these rules are Trust, Humility, Gratitude. They are inextricably linked together and among these rules. Try working these rules into your next project!