The cornerstone is traditionally the first stone laid in a structure's foundation. It's the piece to which every other stone is laid in reference to.

So it is with leadership. An organization goes the way of its leader - the leader is the reference point for the direction of the organization. And if its leader is not leading him or herself well, neither will its people.

The point? It starts with self-leadership - building yourself better - and when the leader is leading themselves well, everything that matters improves. Trust, commitment, communication, performance, and impact.