Disciplines That Define an Intentional Leader

Solitude has a way of illuminating our paths. As we slow down, deep truths seem to ‘magically’ emerge like from a hazy mist.

Slowing down in our present world sounds like an oxymoron. To find the time to connect with friends and family is like a far-fetched theory. My calendar ends up looking like a city map in a traffic grid lock. There is no breathing space, nowhere to escape.

I find myself slipping into auto-pilot. What frustrates me of this mode is that I don’t  consistently live up to my potential. In this frustration, I tend towards being too self-critical. In the process, I lose focus and fail to show up fully. My personal and professional growth slows down.

But isolation over the last few weeks [thanks to COVID-19] has reminded me of disciplines I had taken for granted. To grow to where I need to be, I must cut out much of the noise and distraction that surrounds me. When a hunter goes out to seek a deer, they must desist from chasing squirrels they may come across.

You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at     every dog that barks.” – Winston S. Churchill

From my contemplative time alone, I wrote down the following ten disciplines that I must practice as a leader. There needs to be a major shift, a shift that can only be sustained by intentional accountability. Here we go…

1. Visualization

Where are we going? Without a vision, it is difficult to define personal and team expectations. Clarity of vision comes from soul and character of the team. Without a vision, the whole will soon cease to thrive and exist in to its fullness.

2. Direction

This is how we will get there. It is the steps taken to progressively achieve your goals and desires. We can’t be leaders without a roadmap. Leadership without direction is like cutting meat with a butter knife. It may happen, but it is not without a lot of pain and frustration.

3. Instruction

Leadership takes the time to break down the steps of how to get to the main event. It is practiced direction, not just theory. A leader also needs to heed direction from leaders who have gone before them. For leading from an empty tank is next to impossible. Seek wisdom from a mentor, coach and reading widely.

4. Inspiration

Watch me as you also listen keenly. You can be confident in my example. A leader’s faith must be alive and infectious. At their core, leaders must be authentic before they inspire transformation in others.

5. Affirmation

A leader is the chief encourager and cheerleader for the team. Appreciate the effort at the team’s work towards achieving the collective – organization or business – and personal goals.

6. Evaluation

Where are we now verses where we planned to be? What happened during the process? Which lessons did we learn along the way? These are three critical questions that a leader asks regularly.

7. Correction

What have we done and what needs to change? Why does it need to change? How do we bring about the desired change? This can be a bitter pill to take down. However, this is an opportunity to stay connected to the reality. Without correction, it is impossible to embrace the truth needed to move into a higher growth level.

8. Reconciliation

This is the art of giving and receiving. It could be forgiveness. It might be empathy. Whatever the action, it must be regular, intentional and from the heart. This is the oil that reduces friction in a team and keeps everyone running smoothly.

9. Reactivation

Fire under the seat. Others call it motivation. Leaders have an active finger on the pulse of their team. With empathy, a leader is able to rekindle their team’s passion and drive.

10. Escalation

Taking things to the next level requires a determined focus and courage. My words and thoughts must be complemented by active action. Ideas will be shared with team members and partners for testing and execution. Together, we will learn, grow and thrive!

Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty.” – Frank Herbert

Q: Which discipline(s) do you need to pick up today to get you where you need to be? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

[Photo by KOBU Agency on Unsplash]