6 Daily Habits To Be an Excellent Boss

I was amazed at the humility that my boss was expressing. Sharing his mistakes. Asking for advice from people who had more experience.

Yet still being confidant, in charge and responsible for leading a team. I witness an amazing balance of strength and humility. 

That experience is still very clear to me. I learned that day that personal leadership has to come before leading others. 

I was young, inexperienced, and under the mistaken idea that my youth guaranteed innovation, respect, and wisdom.

I was regularly …corrected and pointed in the direction of practicing my role and being part of a team..FIRST.

Thankfully, I eventually got the message. 

A leader is not about rank, title, position, or experience– these things are important, however to use these well you need to have the daily habits of a leader. 

So, what are some key traits that influential leaders have? 

Is there a specific behavioral pattern that makes someone a better leader than others 

One thing for sure —You lead others to their potential only by approaching yours.

1. Cultivating Self-Discipline: The Foundation of Leadership

Self-discipline is the cornerstone of effective leadership. 

It begins with mastering the small tasks: adhering to routines, maintaining physical fitness, and challenging yourself to overcome discomfort. These practices are not merely physical but mental exercises in overcoming adversity. 

As Aristotle observed, "We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." 

What are your daily leadership habits? 

2. Prioritizing Personal Health: The Leader's Self-Care

The capacity to lead others is intrinsically linked to how well leaders care for themselves. 

Physical and mental well-being are not luxuries but necessities for effective leadership. 

Personal health challenges, including mental health struggles, should be addressed with courage and openness.

 "As a leader, the first person I need to lead is me." John Maxwell 

Prioritizing your health is a vital step in enhancing your leadership abilities.

3. Continuous Learning: The Leader as a Lifelong Learner

Leadership demands constant growth and learning. 

One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through reading and absorbing diverse perspectives on leadership. 

General James "Mad Dog" Mattis's commitment to reading exemplifies this principle, as it equipped him to navigate uncharted challenges. 

By embracing a habit of reading and learning, leaders can continuously refine their skills and expand their knowledge base.

4. Embracing the 'Two Ps': Priorities and Purpose

Effective leadership is anchored in clarity of purpose and priorities. 

Setting daily goals and reminding oneself of the bigger picture helps maintain focus. 

Whether fulfilling professional responsibilities or providing for the family, understanding and aligning your actions with your purpose is crucial. 

This alignment guides decision-making and inspires others, as leadership involves guiding by example.

5. Mental Agility: Keeping the Mind Sharp

A leader's cognitive abilities are akin to a muscle that requires regular exercise. 

Engaging in activities challenging the brain through reading, writing, puzzles, or other intellectual pursuits sharpens decision-making and problem-solving skills. 

6. Self-Improvement: Beyond Comparison with Others

The accurate measure of progress is not in comparison with others but against one's previous self. 

Striving for incremental improvements each day in personal and professional spheres is critical. This principle extends to developing technical competence and overall growth. 

Being 1% better today than yesterday is a very attainable goal and something leaders should consider aiming for every day. 

Great leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Lincoln harnessed solitude for deep thought and decision-making. This helped them gain perspective insight into themselves. 

Leaders are responsible for seeking solitude for reflection, planning, and increasing their self-awareness.

Being a good leader outside –requires you to be a great leader inside. 

The most respected leaders I have encountered exemplified remarkable self-leadership. 

They possessed a distinct sense of self-control and cohesion from the abovementioned practices. 

Embarking on the self-leadership journey is the first step towards realizing your potential and guiding others towards theirs. 

In this way, leadership is not just a position or a set of skills but a continuous process of personal growth and self-improvement.

So what are you going to do this weekend to prepare to be a better leader next week?