As a leader, your first priority is simple: be helpful.
It's not to sell, to convince, to persuade, to cajole, to belittle, to trick, or to rule.
When you're helpful, people listen. When you're helpful, people are receptive to what you're doing, willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, and want to be connected to you and your cause.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a CEO, a teacher, or a preacher, please - be helpful.