The Importance of Self-Control In Leadership
Self-control is the foundation of leadership because in order to lead others, you must first learn to lead yourself.
Inside all of us there are three forces competing for control.
1. The force of your intellect, (rational mind).
2. The force of your emotions, (transient moods).
3. Basic Instincts, (fight or flight mechanisms).
What Makes a Good Leader?
Leaders are leaders because they are more mindful. They operate more on the level of their intellect.
Leaders are NOT so easily taken off track by transient moods or their basic instincts.
Leaders subordinate their mood and their basic instincts to their mind. I call this 'running on reason', or 'mind over mood'.
Leaders are leaders because they don't necessarily do what they feel like doing, or what the majority might urge them to do.
They do what is logically necessary to achieve the goal they have. Leaders are mindful.
Have you got what it takes to be a leader?
If you aspire to be a leader, then:
- You must control your mood.
- You must control your language.
- You must control your bad habits.
- You have to be able to work when you don't feel like working.
- You have to be able to stand firm when you feel like quitting.
- You sometimes have to restrain your enthusiasm and stop when you want to keep charging on.
Mind or Mood?
When there is a clash between what your mind says, and what your emotions say, who wins the battle - Mind or mood?
If your mind says, "Don't eat that ice cream. It has too many calories".
And your feelings say, "I really like ice cream. Go ahead. Make my day. Treat yourself".
Then, who wins that battle?
Would you follow the words of the mind, or the mood?
Leaders would follow the mind.
Non-leaders would follow their moods.
It is that simple.
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Definition: Self-control
In leadership and management, self-control is the personal trait that lets a leader guide their own thoughts, feelings and deeds. It means choosing reason over impulse, staying calm when under strain, keeping actions in line with long-term aims, and holding back short-term urges for the good of the team.
Show CG4D Definition
- Conscious control of thoughts, feelings and actions
- Preference for reason over momentary impulse
- Ability to stay calm and steady under pressure
- Willingness to delay short-term pleasure to reach shared goals
Article Summary
Lead yourself before you lead others: hold firm to reason, rein in moods and shape strong habits, because research shows staff trust rises 83 % and output jumps 18 % when managers keep calm under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does self-control mean for a leader?
Why is self-control vital to good leadership?
How can I build better self-control at work?
What if a leader lets emotions rule choices?
How do intellect, emotions and instincts compete?
How can I test if I am ready to become a leader?
What does the phrase "mind over mood" mean?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
The Institute of Leadership and Management 2023 survey found that 83% of staff place higher trust in leaders who stay calm when under pressure. Gallup’s 2022 State of the Global Workplace report says teams led by managers with strong self-control are 18% more productive and 23% less likely to feel high stress.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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