For emerging leaders who are still navigating the early stages of their careers, building a successful career might feel like a “two steps forward, one step back” process. What are the best skills to develop as a new manager? How does one handle giving and receiving feedback? And is executive presence really that important?
That’s where leadership lessons from the C-suite can provide valuable perspective—helping new leaders learn from the experiences, challenges, and successes of those who’ve already led at the highest levels.
In the process of developing new skills, having a mentor can mean the difference between struggling and thriving. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), mentorship can be a key ingredient in supporting and retaining employees through economic uncertainty as well.
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Leadership Advice from Mike Devoto, Former CEO and Mentor
A very good friend and extraordinary leader who understands the value of mentoring others is Mike Devoto, a senior advisor to and the former CEO of Valiant Integrated Services, a global government services contractor. Devoto chooses to mentor about 20 leaders per year—in part because he just loves helping to develop others! Devoto’s career success and commitment to mentoring others places him in an excellent position to offer career advice. Here are nine development tips from Mike that will help you become an effective leader.
1. “Listen so hard it hurts.”
Some of the most effective and successful leaders in the world credit the ability to listen well as a key factor in their success. Genuine active listening shows that leaders have humility and an openness to other viewpoints. Ask questions to clarify what others say, and be willing to admit that you could be wrong.
2. Create a caring culture.
Model that you care, and you will earn the respect and trust of others. But even more importantly, others will follow your pattern. Caring is contagious.
In a 2024 survey from Fortune and Great Place to Work, 98% of employees at the Best Small and Medium Workplaces report a caring environment, compared to only 68% in a typical US workplace. The survey also found that employees who say colleagues and managers care about each other are more likely to give extra effort at work and stay with the company long-term.
3. Be physically present.
In a business environment that is increasingly virtual, it’s easy to forget that physical presence is vital to being an effective leader. Be present in the office and in front of your staff if possible; if not, host calls where you make yourself seen and heard. Don’t just be an unseen force that issues e-mails and press releases; be there for your people. Let them see you. Be approachable. Be available.
4. Develop Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
Emotional intelligence (EQ) may be the most important finding for leadership effectiveness. Relationship skills are everything! If EQ doesn’t come naturally to you, be intentional about cultivating it. Ask questions of trusted advisors, friends, and family members. Focus on developing those skills that help you relate to people.
5. Develop self-awareness.
Self-awareness may be the single most underrated skill for leadership effectiveness. Know your own weaknesses and strengths. Understand where your blind spots are. Practice self-reflection, and listen carefully when others offer feedback.
6. Encourage accountability.
Encourage a culture of self-accountability. In a self-accountable environment, the entire team works together for mutual benefit and productivity. As a leader, you can promote a self-accountable environment by clarifying expectations for the team, then measuring success and coaching to any behaviors that interfere with results.
7. Adapt to the challenge of remote work.
Remote work isn’t going away; in fact, it’s a present and future reality leaders must adapt to. Adjust your time and methods to accommodate effective virtual communication and relationships.
8. Limit distractions as much as possible.
The modern business world—indeed, the modern world in general—throws more distractions at us all faster than at any time in history. Practice strategies to help you and your team harness your most powerful asset—your collective brain power!
Set boundaries and guidelines for e-mails and messaging. Encourage “singletasking” and help people learn to set priorities. Encourage the use of prioritization tools such as the Eisenhower Matrix to help everyone understand the difference between the important and the urgent!
9. Remember the “four legs of the stool.”
All leaders need to learn the four legs of the stool: self, family, work, and spiritual foundation. Keep all four legs in balance as much as possible. While there can be times when one or more of those legs need more attention than others, don’t sacrifice attention to any of them too long or it will catch up with you.
Balancing these legs is the key to living longer and leading better. If possible, find someone who can help you keep your stool balanced when things get hectic—a mentor, friend, or accountability partner to remind you to stay balanced.
Mike is one of the most successful leaders I have known. His leadership journey has given him many opportunities to discover and practice the advice he now offers emerging leaders. In Devoto’s mind, anyone he mentors could be a future CEO in the making! Take the advice of this successful leader and seasoned mentor, and watch your career grow and flourish.
Self-check:
- Of these nine pieces of advice, which one is the most critical for me right now? Is there one thing I can do to practice or improve in that area?
- What is my biggest challenge at work right now? Is there one piece of advice on this list that could help?
- Do I know someone I could approach to mentor me in my career goals?
