Here's what I learned about leading people

I spent a decade at Twitter leading global teams. These are the things that actually mattered.

1. Integrity is the foundation

Without it nothing else works. You can be smart, charismatic, well connected. None of it matters if people can't trust you. Do the right thing. Always. Even when nobody is watching. Especially when nobody is watching.

2. Care deeply about your people

You can't fake this. They'll know. If they know you don't care they won't trust you. If they don't trust you you can't inspire them. And if you can't inspire them you can't lead them. It's that simple.

3. You're always on duty

Everything you do, everything you say, on the job or off — you're setting an example. There's no off switch when you're a leader. Lead from the front in three areas: technical competency, effort, and behavior.

4. Praise in public. Criticize in private.

Always. No exceptions.

5. Listen more than you speak

The best leaders I've seen use their ears more than their mouth. Pay attention to what people are saying. And what they're not saying. That gap is usually where the real information lives.

6. Walk the deck

You cannot know the state of the ship from a meeting room. Get out there. Sit with your team. Every day if you can. 

7. Set a high bar and keep it there

Don't lower the standard because someone is struggling. People don't want a pushover for a boss. They want someone who makes them reach further than they thought they could. That's where growth happens.

8. Power doesn't give you influence

This one took me a while to understand. Your title gives you authority. It doesn't give you influence. Your ability to inspire, motivate and connect with people is what actually gets things done.

9. A small problem to you might be a big problem to your team

As you grow in leadership you get more context, more perspective, more experience. Your team doesn't always have that. What looks small from where you're standing can feel massive to them. Don't dismiss it.

10. Move with imperfect information

Gather data. Analyze it. Then make the call. An imperfect plan executed with energy today beats a perfect plan executed too late. Leaders who wait for certainty before deciding aren't leading — they're stalling.