Many of us are lucky enough to be considered “leaders” in our respective business fields. But having luck isn’t the only way that we got here. To be a leader, especially a successful leader, takes consistent work and dedication, not only to our businesses, but also to our employees and colleagues.
With extremely hectic schedules, many high-achievers choose habitual routines because these habits and traits have proven to work in leading to success. In today’s article we will break down some of the habits and traits that successful leaders do to achieve their goals both on a personal level as well as professionally.
Personal Habits
Given that many leaders spend the middle of their days in their profession, personal habits seem to be broken down into two categories consisting of morning routines and end-of-day routines. Morning routines are crucial to helping you establish your mindset and organize the reset of your day. Reportedly, many successful people use their morning hours effectively. One of the most common habits that leaders do is to check their email and answer any outstanding emails in their inbox. This allows for a “clean slate” for emails throughout the day. Others reported taking time in the morning to reflect. Some prefer to do so through yoga or meditation while others will go for a walk or morning run. Exercising helps to clear the mind and assists with keeping productivity and energy levels up. Its no surprise that breakfast plays a large part in morning routines. Just like exercising, what you choose to fuel your body with will determine much of your energy level throughout the morning and setting the tone for your day. Meals consisting of protein, nuts, fruit, and oats will power your body and mind helping you achieve a high level of productivity while sustaining you. As the day comes to an end productive leaders also establish evening rituals to help decompress from the day as well as set themselves up for the day to come. One leader explains that before he leaves the office for the day he writes down the top three things he would like to accomplish tomorrow. Setting goals and creating lists helps the mind to rest and organize for the upcoming day.
To Inspire – In a commencement address back in 2005, Steve Jobs said the following:
“For the past 33 years I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been no for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”
Professional Habits & Traits
Highly respected leaders typically have a lot in common when it comes to their professional habits and traits. It is said that the most important thing a leader can do is provide their team with a goal that is worthy of their time. Having a leader who openly shares their vision and getting others on-board with a worthy agenda will inspire their employees or followers to achieve. When a leader exercises level-mindedness and keeps expectations realistic they tend to be highly respected and approachable. This goes hand-in-hand with keeping those around you well informed; allowing them to feel included and appreciated. As a leader, people will remember how you made them feel, and feeling appreciated hits a high mark. Being solution focused is also a trait that enables success to flow. Problems and issues are inevitable, however, your reaction to these situations are important in showing those around you how to identify a problem and how to respond in a positive way, setting to path to success in place of failure. Displaying patience during problem situations is also imperative in order to maintain a level of respect. All of these habits and traits together build trustworthiness, commitment, and competence, which will empower your leadership generating success for you and those around you.
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