Liquid Gold for Leaders:

Dan White and Dr. Mike Doughty, Assistant Superintendent

Leadership is a journey filled with complexities and challenges. Here are 30 unspoken rules that every leader should know, but rarely does anyone have the guts to tell you. These rules are not just guidelines; they are the distilled essence of leadership wisdom—your liquid gold for leading effectively.

Rule #1

No one cares how smart you are, where you went to school, or what the topic of your dissertation was. The real measure of your leadership lies in your ability to connect and inspire, not in your academic accolades.

Rule #2

Shameless self-promotion is just that—shameless. Be careful about flaunting your achievements and possessions. Remember, people don’t really want to hear about your children unless they ask, and even then, they might just be being polite. And about salaries—don’t ask, and don’t tell.

Rule #3

You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room (and you probably aren’t). Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with smart people. It’s all about leveraging collective intelligence. Think of situations where someone demanded an immediate solution. Did it really need to be solved right then?

Rule #4

Don’t hit flies with sledgehammers. Not every problem requires an over-the-top solution. Address issues with the appropriate level of response.

Rule #5

At least pretend to care, though it would be even better if you genuinely did. People can sense insincerity, and authentic concern goes a long way in building trust.

Rule #6

Virtual is here to stay. Embrace it, adapt to it, and make it work for you and your team.

Rule #7

Be where you are. Multitasking can often lead to fragmented attention and reduced effectiveness. How many times have you sent a text, returned an email, or checked social media during a meeting? Check yourself and be present.

Rule #8

Not everything requires a meeting; and if it does, you don’t always have to be there. Aim for more productive and healthier meetings by avoiding unnecessary ones, keeping them under 30 minutes, making them purposeful, and knowing the intended outcome beforehand. Consider meeting where the work is happening, or even standing up or walking.

Rule #9

Learn how to take a compliment. A simple "thank you" can go a long way.

Rule #10

Pick up the phone. In an age of digital communication, a phone call can add a personal touch that emails or texts lack.

Rule #11

Listen more; talk less, ideally at a 5:1 ratio. This allows you to understand others better and shows that you value their input.

Rule #12

Use plain English. Avoid jargon and buzzwords that obscure meaning and alienate your audience. Phrases like “think outside the box” and “move the needle” are clichés that should be retired.

Rule #13

Grammar matters. Clear and correct communication reflects well on you and avoids misunderstandings.

Rule #14

Know when to ask for help. You’re not an expert in everything, especially crisis communications. Recognize your limitations and seek expertise when needed.

Rule #15

Determine the price of being right. Sometimes, the cost of proving a point can outweigh the benefits. Choose your battles wisely.

These 15 rules represent just half of the wisdom Dan White and Dr. Mike Doughty offer to leaders.