Here are three thoughts on business leadership.
1. Great leaders do a terrific job of providing clarity of purpose and clarity of goals and direction. The importance of a leader providing clear direction can’t be overstated. For example, the leader that outlines "the three things we must be great at" or "these are three goals we must accomplish" is really helpful.
2. As discussed in a book called Profit from the Core by Chris Zook, it is much easier to succeed close to your core areas and to build around those areas. A business should constantly look to double down and build around key niches/lines and key customers. This is generally the most probable place to excel.
3. Emotional intelligence in a leader is critical. For some of us it's a constant challenge to stay measured and focused and not overly excitable or emotional. Thank goodness for some leader colleagues of mine who provide the daily emotional maturity that our organizations need. In many ways they provide an important balance.