5 Ways to Be a First-Class Leader

Leadership isn’t about titles or authority. It’s about influence and impact. It’s about inspiring others to bring their best to the table and building an environment where individuals and teams can thrive. First class leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of intentional actions and a relentless pursuit of excellence. If you want to elevate your leadership impact, here are five ways to be a first-class leader:

1. Lead Through Service

At its core, leadership is about serving others. First class leaders understand that their role is to support, guide, and empower their teams—not to elevate themselves. Service-oriented leaders prioritize the needs of their people and the greater mission over personal gain. This approach fosters trust, loyalty, and a culture where people feel valued and appreciated.

Think about the best leader you’ve ever had. Chances are, they were someone who took the time to understand your needs, removed obstacles, and gave you the tools you needed to succeed. That’s the essence of servant leadership: it’s not about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in your charge.

Practical Application:

• Schedule regular one-on-one check-ins with your team members to ask, “How can I help you succeed?”

• Look for opportunities to support team goals, even if it means rolling up your sleeves to help with the work.

  
  

2. Inspire Positivity

Positivity is a game-changer for leaders. This is not about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is fine; it’s about choosing to focus on solutions and opportunities rather than dwelling on problems. Leaders who exude positivity inspire their teams to tackle obstacles with resilience and optimism.

Research from Duke University shows that optimism leads to better health, greater resilience, and improved performance. A leader’s mindset has a ripple effect on the entire organization. If you approach challenges with a “we can figure this out” attitude, your team will follow suit.

Practical Application:

• Start meetings by highlighting recent successes, even small wins. This shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s working.

• When faced with challenges, guide your team to focus on potential solutions instead of only on problems.

  
  

3. Demand Excellence from Yourself and Others

First class leaders set a standard of excellence. Not just for their teams, but for themselves as well. Excellence doesn’t mean perfection; it means striving to improve every day. Leaders who model discipline, hard work, and a growth mindset inspire their teams to do the same.

Think about leaders like Tim Cook of Apple, Simone Biles in gymnastics or anyone else that achieved great results. They didn’t achieve greatness by settling for "good enough." They consistently pursued higher standards and encouraged others to do the same. A culture of excellence starts at the top.

Practical Application:

• Set clear expectations and challenge your team to meet and exceed them.

• Lead by example. If you want your team to grow, invest in your own personal and professional development.

  
  

4. Be Authentically You

Authenticity is a non-negotiable for first class leaders. People are drawn to leaders who are genuine, transparent, and consistent. When you lead authentically, you show others that they can trust you and that they, too, can bring their whole selves to work.

Being authentic doesn’t mean sharing every thought or emotion. It means leading with your values and being honest about who you are. Authentic leaders build deeper connections with their teams and create a culture where people feel safe to express themselves.

Practical Application:

• Take time to reflect on your core values. Are your actions aligned with those values?

• Be honest about your challenges and setbacks. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.

  
  

5. Invest in Knowledge

First class leaders are lifelong learners. They understand that leadership isn’t a destination. It’s a journey that requires constant growth. Whether through reading, mentorship, training, or self-reflection, successful leaders make learning a priority.

Knowledge gives you the tools to adapt, innovate, and lead effectively in an ever-changing world. Leaders like Warren Buffett credit much of their success to their commitment to learning. Buffett reportedly spends up to 80% of his day reading and reflecting, reinforcing the idea that you’re never too experienced to learn something new.

Practical Application:

• Choose one leadership book or podcast to dive into this month.

• Seek out a mentor or peer group to share ideas and gain new perspectives.

  
  

The Impact of First Class Leadership

First class leadership isn’t just about achieving personal success; it’s about creating a lasting impact on the people and organizations you serve. By leading with service, inspiring positivity, demanding excellence, embracing authenticity, and investing in knowledge, you can elevate your leadership and inspire others to do the same.

Remember, leadership is a privilege. It’s an opportunity to shape the future and leave a legacy that others will carry forward. The question is: What kind of leader will you choose to be?

Let today be the day you commit to first class leadership!