As leaders, our primary responsibility is to foster an environment where our team feels secure and unthreatened. Only then can they truly shine and bring their A-game.

But that’s not all. A good leader needs to be the voice of reason, the one who’s not afraid to say “NO” when things start going off track. It’s about asking the right questions and keeping everyone aligned with the project’s intent.

Speaking of intent, it’s crucial to set a clear direction for your team. Anything that doesn’t contribute to this intent? It’s just noise. Cut it out.

Here’s a golden nugget: stop wasting time on internal iterations. Get out there and build with your customers, not in isolation. Their feedback is your north star.

Remember, leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about creating an environment where smart people can do their best work.