Why do some leaders accomplish what they want as a matter of routine, while others seem to regularly experience frustration and setbacks? Experience has taught me that leadership isn’t solely about achieving personal success; it’s about bringing others along on the journey and fostering collective growth. True leadership is about creating an environment where everyone can thrive, contribute, and succeed together. Within our family of healthcare businesses at Rx Medical , my team and I believe it’s essential for leaders to embrace ongoing training and development—not just for their own growth but for the growth of their teams as well. Building a culture of continuous learning, skill development, and mutual support is the foundation for long-term success. I am incredibly grateful to work alongside an amazing team of professionals who collaborate, share knowledge, and push each other to reach new heights. If leadership is about empowering others to achieve their fullest potential—and when we do that, we all succeed—what are some guiding principles that can help us get there?
Successful leaders display nine identifiable behaviors in their relationships, work and personal lives says Dr. Henry Cloud, author of the book 9 Things a Leader Must Do: How to Go to the Next Level. Cloud argues that leaders often get stuck at a certain level, either by failing to adapt to new challenges or by lacking the emotional and relational skills needed to motivate and guide others effectively. To reach the next level of leadership, he emphasizes that it’s not enough to simply work harder or put in more hours; you must change the way you lead. Here are nine essential leadership principles Cloud offers.
9 Things a Leader Must Do
Create and Protect Team Health: Healthy teams are more productive, creative, and resilient. Leaders must make team health a priority—this means fostering a positive, supportive culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and capable of contributing.
Own the Result: Take full responsibility for outcomes, whether positive or negative. Leaders must own both successes and failures as this demonstrates accountability and builds trust within the team.
Lead with Truth: Transparency is key to leadership and confronting challenging truths head-on. Transparency about team performance, organizational challenges, and/or addressing personal weaknesses can be key. Leaders who shy away from uncomfortable truths hinder their own growth and that of their team.
Master the Inner Game: The emotional and mental state of a leader has a direct impact on the team’s ability to perform at expected levels. Mastering self-awareness, managing stress, and maintaining mental clarity are vital components of effective leadership. Without the right mindset, leaders are less able to guide their teams with confidence.
Develop Others: A true leader doesn’t just focus on their own success—they help others develop their skills and grow in their careers too. Be open to the role of mentorship and seek ways to provide opportunities for others to step up and shine.
Learn to Make Tough Calls: Leadership often requires difficult decisions. Like anything, leaders can sharpen their decision-making skills too. Making tough calls—whether it’s about letting someone go or pivoting the business strategy—is part of growing as a leader and helping teams advance.
Expand Your Influence: Leadership is not just about the title or position—it’s about influence. Leaders who expand their influence by building trust, developing relationships, and consistently delivering on their promises often benefit.
Build and Maintain Relationships: Relationships are the bedrock of successful leadership. Cultivate strong and positive relationships within and outside of your organization. Networking, fostering team dynamics, and being emotionally available are all part of building lasting connections.
Take Others with You: The final principle Cloud shares brings it all together. Leaders are only as good as the people they bring with them because leadership is not a solo journey. Helping others achieve success alongside you is what defines truly effective leadership.
📌LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE: Great leaders aren’t just great decision-makers—they understand people, build trust, and foster environments where others can thrive. What steps will you take to apply what you’ve learned within your organization?
Brandon Rouse, CEO of Rx Medical, a family of healthcare businesses, leads a diverse & growing team of professionals well-versed in the challenges facing the medical field today. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Brandon’s experienced team represents various technological & innovative medical device solutions. ZB RX Medical and Rx Medical are direct distributors of Zimmer Biomet among others.