Most leadership lessons aren't taught in a classroom.

They're absorbed.

Watched.

Repeated.

Rewarded.

Over time, many of us learn a hidden curriculum:

• Stay agreeable.
• Don't challenge authority.
• Keep your emotions to yourself.
• Work harder than everyone else.
• Be grateful for the opportunity.
• Take on more.
• Don't make people uncomfortable.
• Keep the peace.

We call these leadership lessons because they helped us survive.

Some even helped us succeed.

But success and wisdom are not always the same thing.

Years later, many professionals are still carrying rules they never consciously chose.

Rules that make it harder to set boundaries.

Harder to speak up.

Harder to rest.

Harder to lead authentically.

The hidden curriculum isn't always what makes one stronger.

Sometimes it's what teaches one to shrink.

The question is:

What leadership lesson did you inherit that you're still trying to unlearn?