Ten Mindful Leadership Rules

Each morning, I give myself a moment to pause. I ask, What will I use this gift of a day for? It helps reset my mindset and reconnect me to purpose. That small practice has become my reminder to lead with intention. 

These ten rules came to me slowly, and they've stayed with me through different seasons of leadership. They help me reflect. They help me reset. They help me grow.

1. Steadiness is quiet.

I used to think strong leadership looked loud: fast decisions, big energy, constant motion. But I’ve learned that what people often need most is steadiness. A sense that things won’t fall apart just because they feel overwhelming. That doesn’t mean I always have it together, but it means I try to hold calm for others when things get uncertain.

2. Questions can move you forward.

Curiosity is a powerful thing. I’ve walked into situations where I didn’t know what to do next, and asking the right questions helped shift the energy. It helped other people contribute, too. Leadership isn’t about having every answer. It’s about keeping momentum, even when you’re unsure what the next step is.

3. People matter most.

Take the time to ask your team about their lives. Not just how they’re doing with work, but how they’re doing as people. When someone shares a challenge or a personal win with me, I carry it. That information shapes how I lead them. That connection becomes a foundation for trust, and trust is everything.

4. How you show up sets the tone.

Energy is contagious. Your team watches how you handle stress, how you react to change, and how you listen. I’ve learned that if I rush into a meeting distracted or anxious, it spreads. But others tend to do the same if I pause, breathe, and lead with presence.

5. Let values guide decisions.

There have been moments where I’ve had to choose between what looks efficient and what feels right. Whenever I’ve chosen values over speed or ease, it’s been worth it. Even if it takes longer. Even if no one else sees it, let your values shape how you hire, lead, and make decisions.

6. Welcome challenge.

I remember pitching an idea I loved. Someone on the team pushed back. At first, I felt defensive. But as we talked it through, their perspective made the work sharper. That moment taught me not to fear challenge, but to invite it. Pushback is often a sign people care enough to want better.

7. Uplift others.

In a moment, I was getting a lot of praise, a colleague pulled me aside and said, “You know, your work helped all of us look good too.” I hadn’t thought about that. Leadership isn’t about being the star. It’s about building a platform for others to shine on. The best leaders elevate quietly and consistently.

8. Use your influence.

I’ve seen rooms where certain voices dominate and others go quiet. I’ve seen how subtle exclusion can be. When I have influence, I use it. To make space. To name something no one else is saying. To ensure the right people are being heard. Sometimes leadership means speaking. Sometimes it means stepping aside so others can.

9. Say thank you.

After a long sprint, I sent a short note to the team. “You held this together. Thank you.” A few people told me later how much it meant. Not because it was formal or fancy, but because it was real. Gratitude doesn’t need a calendar or a ceremony. It just needs your attention.

10. Stay humble - the key to mindful leadership

I’ve worked with some brilliant people. The ones I respected most were the ones who listened more than they spoke. Who admitted mistakes? Who asked for help? I try to remember that leadership isn’t about being the expert. It’s about creating space for the best ideas to surface, whether they’re mine or not.

Each evening, I come back to a second question: Did I show up with intention? I don’t always get it right. But I try. These rules aren’t rigid. They grow with me. They guide me back when I drift. They remind me that mindful leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present.