Leadership Lessons from my Dad

Growing up, I had a front-row seat to an amazing leadership masterclass, courtesy of my Dad. Now, don’t get me wrong—he wasn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But when it came to taking care of his people, taking pride in his work, and showing what leadership really looks like day in and day out, he set an example that has stuck with me ever since. I hope that sharing a few of the lessons I learned from him can inspire anyone looking to grow as a leader, or just as a human being.

1. Put the People You Care About First

One of the biggest truths I learned from my Dad is that leadership starts with a genuine love and respect for the people you serve. If you were part of his team—even if it was just for a season—he treated you like family. I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve heard stories about him organizing big meals, cookouts, or gatherings after a long day’s work, just to say “thank you” in a way that went beyond simply handing out a paycheck. He believed that hard work should be recognized, and he made sure his appreciation was real, tangible, and felt by everyone. 

In his case, putting people first wasn’t just a slogan—it was a fundamental choice that guided every career move he made. If the job he was considering didn’t allow him to be there for his family or didn’t allow him to treat his team right, he’d walk away. And watching him do that consistently taught me that real leadership is as much about heart as it is about strategy. The support, love, and respect you give your people will create a ripple effect that resonates far beyond your personal sphere.

2. Measure Twice, Cut Once

The second lesson comes straight from my Dad’s practical side. He was the kind of person who would meticulously line up a board with a level, pencil in hand, erasing a faint mark he had just made to adjust it until it was absolutely perfect. More times than I can count, I’d watch him double-check everything before making a single cut. There’s a popular mantra in agile environments—“fail fast, learn faster”—and that’s incredibly valuable for innovation and trying new ideas. However, my Dad would say there’s also a time and a place for precision. 

Sometimes, rushing to meet a deadline without ensuring the details are correct can lead to mistakes that are costly to fix down the road. In leadership terms, this translates to having a sense of when you need to slow down, analyze the situation, and make sure everything is right before acting. Whether it’s preparing a strategic plan, giving critical feedback to a team member, or even designing a new process, there are moments when it’s better to get it 100% correct rather than rushing toward “good enough.” Good leaders learn to recognize those pivotal moments and exercise the patience to do it right.

3. Be Proud of the Work You Do

My Dad spent years in the paper industry and later managing large recycling plants. You might think that work in these sectors is simply about profits, efficiency, and the bottom line. But for him, it was so much more than that. He genuinely cared about his job because he believed it mattered. When you care about what you do, and you see its impact on the world—no matter how big or small—you find that extra bit of grit when things get tough. 

That sense of pride doesn’t mean you’re blind to problems or challenges. In fact, it’s exactly what pushes you to make improvements and find solutions, because you want the work to be meaningful for yourself and for others. Leadership grows out of that sense of purpose. People naturally want to follow someone who is passionate, who finds joy and fulfillment in what they do. It becomes contagious. In a team environment, when each person can tap into that personal pride, it can turn even the most daunting projects into meaningful, unifying experiences.

4. Lead by Example

Perhaps the most foundational leadership lesson my Dad taught me was to **lead by example**. I never once saw him ask someone else to do a task he wouldn’t do himself. No matter how menial or labor-intensive, he was always on the front lines, showing that he was part of the team, not above it. 

There’s a special kind of respect that comes from seeing your leader roll up their sleeves and work alongside you. It breaks down hierarchies in a healthy way, reminding everyone that at the end of the day, we’re all human. We all have to do our part. Leaders who lead by example often inspire a level of loyalty and enthusiasm that more detached or “authoritative” styles just can’t match. People are more willing to go the extra mile, to adapt to changes, and to support the vision because they see that their leader is genuinely invested and willing to do whatever it takes.

Bringing It All Together

In many ways, these four lessons—prioritizing people, double-checking your steps, taking pride in your work, and leading by example—aren’t just leadership tips; they’re life lessons. When you care about people, you earn trust and respect. When you take the time to do things right, you build a track record of reliability that people can depend on. When you’re proud of your work, you keep that fire lit inside you even when obstacles arise. And when you lead by example, you show everyone around you that you’re in it together. 

My Dad’s teachings serve as a guidepost, reminding me that leadership is about more than just results—it’s about the type of person you choose to be along the way. While he wasn’t perfect, he had a knack for focusing on what really mattered: people, dedication to craft, and integrity in how he carried himself. Ultimately, those are the qualities that turn mere managers into true leaders who bring out the best in everyone around them.

If you want to step up and lead—whether in your family, your business, or your community—think about my Dad’s approach. Take a minute to double-check your marks before cutting, invest in the people around you, hold your head high knowing the work you do matters, and show up every day ready to do the work yourself. It’s not rocket science, but it does require heart, humility, and consistency. And in a world that moves faster by the second, those values might just be the difference between simply managing and actually making a lasting impact. 

Thanks Dad 😀