With so many choices available as to who might be leading us, it is nice to have a list of active habits those leaders should utilize says Peter Decaprio.
Here are seven habits from those highly effective leaders:
- In the business world, people pace themselves by focusing on major events and milestones, such as an initial public offering (IPO) or a product launch. In other words, they focus on marching toward a goal instead of things that need to get done along the way. The problem with this approach is that you can completely miss some very important problems or opportunities – your end goal may suffer as a result. If you do not take time each day for routine activities, you will never make any real progress toward your vision because life gets in the way. For example, you will never advance in your career if you neglect things like writing thank-you notes to colleagues and mentors. Leaders who focus only on the end goal and not the necessary steps toward it often fail because they simply run out of time.
- Great leaders understand that success requires hard work and dedication over a long stretch of time and that there is no quick fix or easy answer. They also do not shy away from doing what needs to be done, even when the task at hand is unpleasant or tedious; instead they find creative ways to make tasks more enjoyable, such as by rewarding themselves with a massage for hitting an important deadline explains Peter Decaprio.
- Leaders must be willing to go against public opinion in order to stay true to their values and purpose. If you are not willing to do this, it is impossible for you to lead. Leaders cannot afford to be swayed by the opinions of others; only they know what is best for their team and company’s growth because they have a broader perspective than everyone else. However, even though leaders may go against public opinion, they still must listen to others’ insights and a tip for improvement – that is what makes them effective.
- Leaders understand that change is an inevitable part of life. But always try to embrace changes instead of resisting them because resistance only delays the process. They discover opportunities in every challenge or problem they face and view these challenges as opportunities for self-growth. It takes time to unlearn old habits so people can learn new ones. Just as people learn through experience, leaders evolve by learning from their mistakes. Leaders who do not grow and adjust to their circumstances stagnate and become ineffective says Peter Decaprio.
- Leaders take action because they have a clear vision. Where they want to go and what needs to be done in order for them to get there. They also know that great leaders throughout history all share one thing in common. The ability to recognize opportunity and act upon it quickly. Such leaders risk failure if success is the goal; if you are not failing, then you will never reap the rewards of victory. Which is why great leaders understand that winning is defined as a success regardless of the final score or outcome. Whether you call it passion, drive, motivation or inspiration, without it even the most talented leaders will fail.
- We all know that perfection is unattainable, but great leaders are always willing to try their best. Even if they have to do it over and over again until they almost get it right—then perfect it the rest of the way. The most important thing for a leader is how many times he or she tries something. Before giving up because success comes with perseverance – which you simply cannot learn from a book or classroom setting. Great leaders are okay with failure because they are okay with asking questions. They understand that seeking knowledge is never wrong. Although they do not mind admitting when they do not have an answer.
- People who aspire to become great leaders must also realize. That there is no such thing as a control – especially in their personal lives. Take it from Steve Jobs’ sister Mona Simpson, who said that her brother “developed an instinct for what he called ‘the empowered goodbye’. As much as possible, he made sure never to leave loose ends.”
Conclusion:
Leaders do not complain about the problems they face because they understand. That complaining will not create solutions or further opportunities says Peter Decaprio. They are always aware of the challenges and obstacles placed in front of them. As well as the resources available to overcome those challenges. So they work toward overcoming those obstacles rather than simply lamenting them. Leaders do everything within their power to achieve success and refuse to accept anything less. Even if someone else is responsible for creating those obstacles or denying those resources. People become successful and leaders by learning it.
