Leadership may be complex, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. We can always simplify. Often our greatest hardships are those we impose upon ourselves.

There are some who think that in order to be a great leader, we must allow life to teach us the hard way. But in truth, if we are open to learning, things can come with ease. Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers.

Here are 10 ways you can begin right now to simplify your leadership:

1. Don’t try to read minds. Simplify your leadership by learning to communicate. Learn how to ask questions and listen to the answers. Some of the biggest and most unnecessary complications come from a lack of communication and understanding.

2. Keep your word. Complications occur when people don’t say what they mean or mean what they say. Simplify by living and leading with honesty, accountability, and responsibility. Keep your promises, and remember that what you say matters because people are listening.

3. Life is too short to waste time being cranky. Simplify by being mindful of your attitude. There will always be a lot of things you can’t control, but every situation comes with a choice of how you will respond—and your leadership is created in the way you choose your attitude. You can be cranky, or you can be confident.

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