Two months ago, the Midwest experienced a snowstorm that closed roads, cancelled schools, and – for many of us – knocked out our electricity for a couple of days. While the power outage allowed us to enjoy some candle-lit quiet time with family, it also pointed out something surprising: the immense power of our habits.
Now, I like to think of myself as a pretty intentional person, but two days without electricity reminded me of the strength our habits have over us. Guess how many times I walked into a room and – even after 10 or 12 hours with no electricity – flipped on a light switch? Of course I knew we had no power, but it was such a habitual action to walk into a dark room and immediately reach for the light!
Every time I flipped a switch, especially as the day wore on, I had an initial “Duh!” moment. But my literal “Lightbulb Moments” also reminded me how deeply ingrained our habits are, and how often we – as Darren Hardy puts it in The Compound Effect – “sleepwalk through our choices.”
Fortunately, positive habits can prove just as powerful as negative ones. You likely brush your teeth daily and buckle your seatbelt every time you enter your car without much thought. As leaders, we need to consciously implement success habits so that we can lead effectively and serve as models for those who look to us for direction.
Three sometimes-forgotten habits leaders need to develop include:
1. The Habit of Awareness.
Leaders need to know what’s going on with their teams – including those things left unsaid. By consciously paying attention, asking open-ended questions, and looking for moments when actions don’t align with words, we can create a habit of awareness that allows us to address needs swiftly and effectively.
2. The Habit of Proactivity.
When you address – and even anticipate – issues early, you can course-correct before a stumbling block becomes a brick wall. Creating goals and action plans support a proactive approach, but don’t just leave these to annual goals or big projects. Even a weekly staff meeting allows you an opportunity to prepare a results-based agenda, define desired outcomes at the start, and encourage every attendee to share a recent “win” to start the meeting on a positive tone.
3. The Habit of Recognition.
While we often think people leave positions because of money, benefits, or some other tangible item, more often than not it’s because they do not feel appreciated. You can build a stronger, more cohesive team (not to mention prevent the challenges turnover brings) by developing the habit of praising, thanking, and acknowledging individual and team efforts. Frequent expressions of appreciation go a long way towards employee morale, engagement, and loyalty.
In his well-researched book The Power of Habit, author Charles Duhigg reminds us that a habit “cannot be eradicated – it must, instead, be replaced.” What unhelpful habits do you need to replace? Which of these 3 leadership habits could you implement instead? With this conscious approach to leadership, we can make our habits work for us rather than prompting those head-slapping “Duh!” moments!
Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches business owners and leaders to get unstuck and reach their highest potential with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.