Leadership Discipline

I'm proud of you for reading past this title. "Discipline" is not something most of us are interested in hearing about. But I've been consumed lately with thoughts about why some leaders seem to endure and others have a fairly short career at the helm and, to large degree, I think it boils down to discipline. We usually think of discipline in terms of hard work, perseverance, burning the midnight oil, or sacrificing for the team to get the job done. In many cases, these are in fact traits that describe most successful leaders. However, I believe there is another short list of disciplines that are absolutely critical though conventional wisdom would not necessarily associate these characteristics with good leadership traits.

Just a few of the often overlooked disciplines:

• Balancing work and home life - I strongly believe that the best leaders are those who prioritize taking care of their family and leading at home. Every leader needs a place to retreat for rest, relaxation, and encouragement. "Home" can be such a place but only if we choose to make the necessary investments. (see "Castle Walls" from 11/05/06 blog)


• Taking care of your body - Leadership stamina requires a healthy body. All too often leaders will set aside their own health and well being when the schedule becomes chaotic. I propose that the health risks associated with the added stress of leadership are all the more reason we should prioritize taking care of our bodies. Approximately 77% of men and 61% of women are overweight and only 31% of men and 29% of women engage in at least moderate physical activity on a regular basis (American Heart Association Annual Report 2006). Leaders must have the discipline to develop healthy habits.


• Schedule time for reflection and introspection - The executive leader is driven by schedule and agenda; both of which are typically overly optimistic of what can be accomplished in a given time allotment. Even the greatest of intentions will not win out over the next appointment beeping in on the blackberry. Therefore, if we are not intentional about scheduling time out for personal reading, reflection and prayer, the time will be filled with something or somebody else. Schedule a daily appointment WITH YOURSELF!


• Be an intentional listener - I'm always surprised how easy it is for me to go through the day and never really solicit anyone else's ideas. It is far too easy for us as leaders to fall into the trap of always being the one with the answer to give and never being the one with the question to satisfy. Imagine what we could learn if we approached others thinking more about what we could learn from them rather than what we could impart to them.

Remember, if it were easy and independently gratifying it wouldn't be called DISCIPLINE.