I was recently asked why I do not write about examples of poor leadership. It is not that I have never made a bad decision as a leader. I have. And, it is certainly the case that poor leadership is not hard to find. We have all experienced it, and there is already plenty of it in the ether.

However, I would rather spend my time highlighting and reflecting on the leaders who make things better.

Here is what those leaders have taught me…

Leadership is not politicking. Leadership is saying the same thing to everyone in the room, and in every room. It is being honest and consistent, even when that honesty and consistency means you may not have the support you need when it comes down to a hard choice.

That kind of leadership has a cost. It is also the kind that earns lasting trust, because people know where you stand and know it will not change depending on who is listening.

So that is where I choose to put my attention. On leaders with clear vision. On decision-making that is grounded in values rather than convenience. On inspiration that shows up as action, not just words. And on leaders who look in the mirror before pointing fingers at others.

There will always be stories of leadership gone wrong. I would rather tell the stories that show us what is possible.

Would the people you lead hear the same message from you in every room?