7 Habits to Sharpen Your Leadership

Leadership is life and should never be extracted from it. The best leaders are regular folks accomplishing extraordinary things and extraordinary people living very ordinary lives. A living example of this principle came through loud and clear this weekend as a new face of female tennis emerged.

Naomi Osaka.

The best leaders are ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things and extraordinary people living very ordinary lives. Click To Tweet

This past weekend Osaka beat Serena Williams, the greatest female tennis champion of all time, in the US Open championship. Amazingly, the win on the court only opened the door to reveal Osaka’s true greatness.

This past weekend Naomi Osaka beat Serena Williams in the US Open championship. Amazingly, the win on the court only opened the door to reveal Osaka's true greatness. Click To Tweet

The gracious manner in which she handled the booing crowd, the oblivious interview questions and the emotion of the moment was evidence of her true greatness. The character on which she called upon from deep within herself to skillfully navigate that epic moment, was learned within the four walls of her home, not the tennis court.

The character Naomi Osaka called upon from deep within herself to skillfully navigate the emerging moment on the podium, was learned within the four walls of her home, not the tennis court. Click To Tweet

Osaka is clearly an athletic champion of world-class skill. But she’s also a very ordinary 20 year old, handling the moment with extraordinary leadership and humility. If I were her dad, I’d be more proud of the way she handled the stage than how she handled Serena on the court.

If I were Naomi Osaka's dad, I'd be more proud of the way she handled the stage than how she handled Serena on the court. Click To Tweet

Today I’m posting a list of 7 ordinary things great Christian leaders do every day to maintain an integrated life as a leader – spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally and professionally.  As we commit to these daily habits and a moment emerges requiring us to lead with humility and grace, like Osaka, we will be ready.

1. Rise immediately with your alarm. This is the heroic moment – mind over mattress, no snooze button allowed, Carpe Diem!

2. Express affection to your spouse first thing in the morning. A simple hug or kiss on the cheek is all that’s needed to say, “I love you, you are my best friend, we are in this together and I’m committed to you forever.”

Leaders: Rise immediately with your alarm. This is the heroic moment - mind over mattress, no snooze button allowed, Carpe Diem! Click To Tweet

3. Personal prayer. After sitting down with a cup of coffee, enter a time of communion with God. This is by far the most important part of your day. It begins by asking (again) for the gift of prayer, opening your heart to the Holy Spirit, focusing on the Father’s presence, resting in Jesus’ mercy, bringing your whole self to Him (heart, soul, mind, memory, etc.). Spend an extended time reflecting on scripture or a good spiritual book. St. Catherine of Sienna said, “Spiritual books are like bait for the soul.” If you want some ideas of great reads, let me know and I can recommend a list.

4. Leadership learning. Leaders are readers. Spend at least 15-20 minutes reading every day for the sake of getting better as a leader. Often I do this during my commute. Audible is a fantastic resource if you enjoy audio books. Podcasts can be a convenient way of getting filled with great ideas and inspiration.

5. Say thank you. Expressing sincere thanks to others is a certain way for developing a grateful heart. Thank a friend for their presence in your life; thank your kids for the joy they bring to you; thank your staff for the extra effort to get the project done; thank a custodian for doing a great job; thank your boss for giving you flexibility in defining your role. Once you develop this habit, it gets easier every day. There are many ways to express thanks: a handwritten note, you can send an email or text, pick up the phone or drop by somebody’s desk. Doesn’t have to be elaborate, just sincere. If you want to learn more from an expert on gratitude, check out Steve Foran here.

There are many ways to express thanks: a handwritten note, an email or text, pick up the phone or drop by somebody's desk. Doesn't have to be elaborate, just sincere. Click To Tweet

6. Dream. A good friend gave me a challenge a few years ago. He said, “Get a blank piece of paper and write the question, ‘What if?’ in big, bold letters. Then invite God into the process of coming up with the answer.” I can’t tell you how many crazy, wonderful, powerful dreams and ideas have surfaced during those times of reflection on this question. This blog is the result of asking that question and inviting God into it. Remember dreaming is the first and most important part of planning.

Dream Every Day: Get a blank piece of paper and write the question - what it? Write it in big, bold letters. Then invite God into the process of coming up with the answer. Click To Tweet

7. Examen. It is crucial in life to properly interpret the events, circumstances and conversations we experience. The Examen is a technique of prayerfully reflecting on the matters of the day with an eye for seeing the Holy Spirit’s presence and direction.  It was introduced to the world by St. Ignatius of Loyola (Founder of the Jesuits) in his Spiritual Exercises. It might help to journal your thoughts and prayerful senses you have during your daily examen.

There you have it, 7 habits you can embrace to live an integrated life as a leader.

Your future is shaped by what you to today, not tomorrow. Make today count.