I’ve been in executive positions for about a decade now. Although it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, I can’t say that it has always gone smoothly. I’ve made mistakes, including hiring someone who ended up stealing from my company.

Leading a company is a trial by fire, and you simply have to reflect and learn from your mistakes as you go. That being said, creating a few general rules can help guide you through difficult decisions. I’ve had plenty of ups and downs over the past 10 years, and I’ve learned a great deal from both the highs and the lows.

Here are the five rules I try to live by in an effort to be the most effective executive I can: