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ESSENTIALS OF LEADERSHIP

11/04/2017 08:09:00 BY Charles Samunenge

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The overall journey and process of life usually defines or reveals certain aspects of our lives. As a matter of fact our success in life is built on nitty-gritty grind of years of hard work, sweat, perseverance, determination, willing attitude and relentless pursuit of vision.

Since we are all leaders in our sphere of influence, it is critical that we develop and cultivate leadership habits that will help us to be better and strong leaders. A good and great leader changes the course of families, communities, organisations, entire industries, countries and even the global landscape. Leading is not always easy, it’s difficult, and anyone of us who has been in the position of authority or influence for a certain period of time knows this. It is really habitual hard work. As a matter of fact it is worked out every day in the tasks we complete, the ways we approach our work and the habits we nurture in our lives.

We must, therefore, recognise the power and importance of habits in life. Research has found out that more than 40 per cent of the actions people perform each day are not actual decisions, but habits. Every morning, nearly half of our day will be determined by the patterns we have either intentionally created or passively allowed. Successful people and great leaders are principled, passionate, courageous, hopeful and authentic people. The journey and path to being a better leader is usually paved with the gravel of the habits we cultivate and develop. Habit is that which becomes like second nature to us. Winning in the game of life usually takes more than just better talent and gifts, it also takes better and good habits. The impetus for change in life varies, but the constant is that of developing winning habits matters.

The patterns we cultivate will ultimately shape the person we are becoming. Each one of us must proactively develop habits that create consistency in our lives.
Brad Lomenick said; “A habit is a practice shaped by behaviour or daily action that helps turn ideas into action, principles into practice, and concepts into concrete. Leadership for the long haul comes from implementing regular, daily practices into your leadership journey.” Therefore if we want to be better leaders, we must establish leadership habits in every area of our lives.

The process of developing good habits or becoming a better leader is littered with obstacles. Ann Voskamp said; “Do the next thing even when it’s not the easiest thing.” We must anticipate challenges, but yet stick to what is profitable for developing our leadership skills. Actually every temptation is an opportunity for change and transformation. The environments in which we all live and usually the people around us may influence us to develop patterns that can sidetrack or shipwreck our purpose and destiny.

Our mission as leaders is more important than money or fame. As leaders, we are usually mission minded, we focus a lot on goals, tasks and achievements. This surely gives us influence, but we must not forget to cultivate the habit of who we are, self discovery. When a leader has no identity, they usually create a false and fragile reality. When we develop a habit of self-discovery, we learn to define ourselves outside our professional success. This will keep us humble and real, and keep our relationships in right perspective. We must stay true to who we are and confident in who we are.

Actually your identity is not what you do, it goes beyond and comes before your activities. The habit of self-discovery helps us become authentic in life. As leaders we must cultivate the habit of transparency. A transparent leader has the capacity to say sorry to those they have hurt and wronged, and are able to receive counsel from others. True leaders have the strength to admit when they have made a mistake, so as to correct it.
As leaders we must develop the habit of realising that we are not perfect in all our ways, this will help us become objective when dealing with people or the team we work with.

The habit of meekness is key in the context of how far we influence others around us. George Bradt said; “One of the most fundamental lessons of leadership is that if you are a leader, it’s not about you. It’s about the people following you. Meekness is power under control, and not weakness as some may think. Meekness helps us as leaders to be willing to give credit to others, absorb the criticism and allow others to be promoted.
Leaders must cultivate the habit of following principles and not just preferences. Great leaders are people of conviction, integrity and principles. The habit of conviction will help us do our assignments with quality, principle and excellence. Conviction makes leaders trustworthy. Trust is the foundation of credibility. No matter where we are in life, how many mistakes we have made or things we have failed to do; we should never give up on embracing winning habits for the betterment of our families, communities and nation.