Rule #1 of Leadership: You're Never Doing It Right (And That's OK)

In my leadership journey, I've found that certain principles, or 'RULES', make all the difference. They guide me when having a hard time or when I'm stuck in dilemma's in work. Today I will start sharing rule nr 1. This is the most important one. It's the one that every leader needs to keep close at heart. Below I'll walk you through it.

The funny thing about leadership is that as human beings, most of us just want to do a good job. We want to be liked. Appreciated. Recognized. We want to feel that what we do matters and that others see us in a positive light.

But if there’s one truth about leadership that I’ve learned — and that I wish someone had told me early on — it’s this:

You’re never doing it right.

That’s Rule #1.

And I don’t mean that to sound cynical. I mean it as something incredibly important to remember — especially if you’re someone who cares deeply about how others perceive you.

Because the reality is: there will always be someone who disagrees with you. Someone who doesn’t like your decision. A colleague, a team member, a stakeholder — sometimes even your own manager.

You can do all the right things, with all the right intentions, and still be met with resistance. And it’s in those moments that leadership becomes really uncomfortable. Sometimes, you might even feel like your entire team is turning against you — not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re doing something hard.

Change is hard. Holding people accountable is hard. Saying no is hard. Leading through tension, restructuring, or uncertainty? That’s where it really shows.

That’s why Rule #1 is so essential to hold onto: you’re never doing it “right” in everyone’s eyes. And if you expect that, it’ll wear you down. It’ll frustrate you. You’ll start to feel like, “Why do I even bother?”

So here’s the shift: instead of chasing approval, learn to steer by your own compass. Know what needs to be done. Listen, reflect, consult — yes. But at the end of the day, lead with clarity and purpose.

Because leadership isn’t about being liked. It’s about being trusted. And that trust comes from consistency, honesty, and a willingness to stand firm — even when it’s uncomfortable.

So if you’re in that place right now — leading through change, getting pushback, second-guessing yourself — just remember Rule #1.

You’re never doing it right.

And that means… you’re probably doing just fine.