Solid leadership lessons are timeless, as they are often rooted in fundamental principles that have proven effective over the years. Here are five timeless leadership lessons from the county’s top leaders:

1. **Lead by example**: One of the most important leadership lessons is to lead by example. Top leaders demonstrate the values, work ethic, and behavior they expect from their team members. By setting a positive example, leaders inspire trust and respect among their followers. Remember: We must first demonstrate the behavior we want to see in others. 

2. **Communicate effectively**: In the SEAL Teams we constantly remind ourselves to: Shoot, Move and Communicate. Communication is key to successful leadership. Top leaders communicate clearly, honestly, and frequently with their teams to ensure everyone is on the same page. Effective communication fosters collaboration, alignment, and engagement.

3. **Empower and delegate**: Great leaders empower their team members by giving them autonomy and responsibility. Delegating tasks and trusting team members to deliver results not only develops their skills but also fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. Remember: while empowering people, make sure to normalize making mistakes. 

4. **Embrace change and adaptability**: In today’s fast-paced world, change is constant. As leaders, we have two options: embrace change or resist change. Top leaders are adaptable and embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation. They encourage their teams to be flexible and open-minded in the face of challenges. Remember: change is coming whether you resist it or not. 

5. **Inspire and motivate**: Inspiring and motivating others is a hallmark of effective leadership. Top leaders inspire their teams by sharing a compelling vision, providing encouragement and support, and recognizing and celebrating achievements. By motivating their teams, leaders drive performance and foster a positive work environment.

These timeless leadership lessons have been embraced by successful leaders throughout history and continue to be relevant in today’s dynamic business landscape. Which leadership quality above resonates the most as a skill you need to improve this year?