Skills for being real:

• Know what matters.

• Embody values consistently.

• Align actions with values.

• Convey values with stories.

• Envision your legacy.

• Hold yourself accountable.

Skills for being whole:

• Clarify expectations.

• Help others.

• Build supportive networks.

• Apply all your resources.

• Manage boundaries intelligently.

• Weave disparate strands.

Skills for being innovative:

• Focus on results.

• Resolve conflicts among domains.

• Challenge the status quo.

• See new ways of doing things.

• Embrace change courageously.

• Create cultures of innovation around you.

Leading the life you want is a craft. 

As with music, writing, dance, or any athletic endeavor, you can always get better at it by practicing. That’s why I developed these exercises and many others. Start with these three big ideas: Be real, be whole, and be innovative. Understand the skills you need to accomplish each. And then commit to doing the fun and fruitful work of making them part of your leadership repertoire.