Discipline, character and leadership

Following on from a previous post I’ve been reminded about the importance of discipline in leadership from a number of sources.

A couple of weeks ago the Belfast Tempo group visited a business run by a family who are Christians. Reflecting on his practices, experience and passion the father reminded our group that Christian leadership flows out of a vibrant relationship with God. Making ethical decisions and treating staff well flowed for him out of time spent before work in prayer and God’s word.  A similar commitment to spiritual discipline in seen in this interview with the theologian and former Bishop,  NT Wright who has a rhythm of morning and evening prayer.

Discipline has many benefits in all aspects of our leadership. Discipline builds character and also develops our skills. The now CEO of the aforementioned family business was also describing to us the annual discipline of review and strategic planning that has enabled their company to grow in the midst of recession. Without the discipline of reflection, planning and prioritising we simply end up reacting and chasing our tails. Days I sit with my email open are often less productive than the days when my day is structured with (roughly) set times to respond to emails.

Michael Hyatt also talks about the benefits of a regular (disciplined) approach to exercise and to reading – habits that keep up our energy levels. Disciplined people are disciplined both in their thinking and their action.

For many of us the word discipline is not one that excites us. Perhaps thinking of it as building healthy rhythms into our leadership can be helpful.

I know that when I have a good rhythm of time with God, of exercise, of reading, of spending time with people who energise me then I am more engaged in work and enjoy my days more.

What are the things that if you built into a healthy and regular rhythm would help you operate at your best and enable you to serve those you lead most effectively?

Advertisement