10 Business Principles Every Great Leader Lives By

Let’s be real—most people wouldn’t do what you’ve done.

To lead in business, you’ve made bold decisions, taken big risks, and chased a dream that wouldn’t let you go. That kind of courage is rare.

But keeping the momentum going? Building something that lasts? That takes intentionality.

Whether you’re just getting started in one of the early stages of business or trying to keep up with your growth, you’ve got to keep your why front and center. You’ve also got to lead with purpose.

These 10 business principles are how great leaders stay grounded, stay focused, and keep moving forward. You can use them, too, to be successful in business and build a life you’re proud of.

How to Be Successful in Business

1. Put people first, always.

Your customers. Your team. Your family. They aren’t numbers or tasks. They’re people—with real lives, including real dreams and struggles. When you treat people like they matter, everything else in your business gets stronger.

Leader in Action: Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, believed if he took care of his team, they’d take care of the customers. That’s why he called employees partners and gave them great benefits—including partners who worked part time.

2. Hire slowly.

The biggest hiring mistake? Rushing. Even when you’re desperate for help, take time to ask the right questions and follow the components of a good hire that keep the crazy out.

Keep in mind: A bad hire costs way more than a few extra weeks of patience. You’re not just filling a seat—you’re building a team of thoroughbreds you trust with your name and reputation.

3. Find mentors and ask questions.

Good news! You don’t have to figure it out alone. Watch people who are winning in the areas where you want to grow. Ask them questions and learn from their wins and mistakes. Joining a mastermind or Advisory Group is another resource to tap into to build connections. A little humility, curiosity and accountability will put you miles ahead.

Leader in Action: Warren Buffett didn’t become one of the best investors in the world by doing it all alone. He looked up to mentors like Benjamin Graham, asked tons of questions, and soaked up their wisdom. He’s a great reminder that asking for help isn’t weak—it’s smart.

4. Set a clear vision and goals—and stick to them.

Businesses without goals don’t win. That’s reason enough to get laser-focused on where you’re going and why. Clear vision and business goals help your team work on the right things and head in the same direction—and that’s when the momentum really kicks in.

5. Lead by serving.

When you choose to be a servant leader, you don’t become weak or passive. You also don’t give up your passion or drive to succeed. You do, however, lead with others in mind—you focus on building and empowering your team and making freaking hard decisions that best serve everyone. Servant leaders don’t lead from ivory towers or stay safely on the sidelines. They’re a strong and steady presence in the trenches.

Leader in Action: Dan Cathy, former CEO of Chick-fil-A, was known to show up at stores and help clean tables or take orders. His example set the tone for the entire company. The team’s signature “my pleasure” isn’t just a phrase—it reflects a culture of going above and beyond with humility and heart.

6. Watch your words.

When you’re the leader, your words carry weight. Whether you’re giving encouragement, correction or vision, say what needs to be said—but say it with wisdom and clarity. People are listening more closely than you think.

7. Lead with the Golden Rule.

Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you’d want grace in a tough season, give grace. If you’d want a thank-you for hard work, speak up. Kindness and fairness aren’t just nice—they’re powerful leadership tools.

Leader in Action: Herb Kelleher, who started Southwest Airlines, treated his employees with a ton of respect—and they loved working for him. As Herb put it, “A company is stronger if it is bound by love rather than by fear.” His team’s care and kindness spilled over to the customers too.

8. Don’t let fear run the show.

Avoiding hard conversations? Putting off a tough decision? That’s fear talking—and it will paralyze your business. Face the problem head on. The sooner you deal with it, the faster you and your business grow.

9. Follow biblical money principles.

God’s wisdom works—in your life and in your business. Run your company with integrity, avoid debt (because the borrower is slave to the lender), and steward resources well. These principles are timeless for a reason: They work.

Leader in Action: Dave Ramsey, founder and CEO of Ramsey Solutions, has helped millions of people get out of debt and build wealth. He runs his own company debt-free and teaches business leaders to do the same—because financial peace leads to better decisions, less stress and more freedom to live and give like no one else.

10. Give generously.

Business isn’t just about making money—it’s about making a difference. Blow your customers’ minds with second-mile service. Share your profits with your team. And be known in your community for your volunteer work—not just your growth. That’s the kind of legacy that lasts.

Now that you’ve got these guiding principles down, let’s look at a few more tactical tips to help you run the day-to-day operations of your business more effectively.

Bonus: 5 Tactical Business Tips That Make a Big Difference

Want more tips to boost your leadership and business growth? These practices will help you manage the day to day—how you lead, plan and stay on track.

1. Have a clear mission.

If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up lost. A strong mission is the heartbeat of your company. It proudly declares, “This is who we are and why we exist!” And it helps your team rally around something bigger than a paycheck. Write it down. Make it specific but simple, and use it as your North Star to stay on track.

2. Know your numbers.

You wouldn’t drive a car blindfolded, so don’t run your business without knowing your numbers. Get clear on revenue, expenses, profit margin and cash flow.

3. Protect your time.

Sure, you’re busy, but are you busy with the right things? Time is money—and your life. What do you want that to look like? You can’t add more hours to your day, but you can apply some time management hacks to shift your mindset and priorities. Before you know it, you’ll be freed up to say yes to more of the people and things you value most.

4. Keep growing.

Great leaders never stop growing. Read books. Listen to podcasts. Stay curious. Growth isn’t just for your business—it’s for you too.

5. Build a culture of communication.

Silent leadership is an oxymoron. So is spineless leadership. Why? Because strong leaders make sure communication is open, clear and honest. Commit yourself daily to replacing these toxic communication traps with healthy communication, productive business meetings, and a winning company culture. The stronger your communication, the stronger your team.

You don’t have to be perfect to lead well—but you do have to be intentional. These business principles and tips will help you lead well, stay focused, and build a business you love.