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.
Leadership Training - The Effective Leader Manager
As the team leader or manager, you know that, on the technical level, you are very good. In your role as an effective and inspirational leader-manager, you recognise that there may be some gaps. Now you are searching for a method to help you to improve your skills as a team-leader and manager - click here to find out more!
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.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Leadership and Management
-
Successful Manager Skills
Learn the skills you need to master to become a successful manager. You can try our quiz to see how you measure up!
Read Article > -
What are the Qualities of a Thought Leader?
Thought leaders bring their expertise to a brand or business to develop new ideas and take it to a higher level. Thought leaders need certain qualities in order to get people on board to deliver the changes needed for a successful outcome.
Read Article > -
How to Stop Micromanaging Your Team
Micromanagement is an easy trap to fall into. Find out how to avoid common pitfalls in this article from experienced management trainer Chris Farmer.
Read Article > -
If the Success Formula is so Simple, Why Isn't Everyone Doing It?
The success formula is simple to understand. It consists of only five major ideas: Purpose, plan, action, feedback, change. So, the obvious question is, if the success formula is so simple, why isn't everyone doing it?
Read Article > -
The Skills of Leadership
Good leadership requires more than superior levels of technical knowledge of your product or service. How you can improve your performance as a leader.
Read Article >
Looking for Leadership and Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Leadership and Management Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 4 days, Online - Teams, places available