How do We Change Our Habits as Leaders?

I roll out of bed each morning, say thank you for a new day and slide my feet across the carpet as I head to the bathroom.  Next I turn on the water to let it warm up in preparation for my morning shave.  Later I sit at the kitchen table reading, journaling and eating my oatmeal.

This routine has been in place in some way or another for over twenty years.  What is the point?  Am I obsessive compulsive . . . maybe a little, but it creates a habit that provides the reward of improving my focus for the entire day.

I recently read the book The Power of Habit* In this book he describes how we form and change our habits.  The beginning of the book contains a cycle we follow to develop habits which you can see below.

https://lancegoyke.com/book-review-the-power-of-habit-by-charles-duhigg

I do not have the time to go in depth on this discussion, but want to explore one aspect and how it impacts the way we lead ourselves and others.

CUE

As leaders something moves us forward toward the goal we are pursuing.  That something may be financial reward, seeing lives transformed, a goal for the team, or any number of other triggers.  Maybe we are not on target to hit our revenue goals or personally we are sick of being overweight.  These frustrations create a cue that ties to an emotion and moves us into action.

REWARD

This is the goal we are pursuing such as a decrease in weight for improved health.  Maybe the reward is a bonus check when we hit a revenue goal or another incentive.  If you lead in the non-profit sector maybe the reward is some form of transformation or meeting a need.  Something keeps us in motion once we have received the cue.

ROUTINE

This is where change occurs.  Does your organization have a routine of taking coffee breaks frequently to get a mental break, but in the process productivity decreases?  Duhigg suggests this is the area where we change our habits.  People need breaks, but how can that break be modified into a different habit that maintains productivity?  What if the break were an exercise break or a team brainstorming session or a walk to clear your mind?

Maybe the routine is personal.  When I get bored, I have to be consciously aware if I am eating out of boredom or hunger.  Instead of eating I have to create a new routine such as engaging with my family or a friend.  If I have to choose between eating junk food and reading a book obviously one is a routine that will benefit me in the long term more than another.

One aspect of changing a habit is to introduce a new routine that will provide the reward you want.  So what routine do you need to change?  What is the first step?  What habits do you have as a leader that may be derailing you and your team?  Change is possible and starts with awareness.  Allow me to come alongside you to help you think into your leadership results.  Lead well.

© 2019 Wheeler Coaching, All Rights Reserved

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.