I once heard an interview with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who spoke of the example of his grandfather. When Thomas was nine years old, he and his older brother went to live with his grandparents. His grandfather instructed the young boys that they should not just do what he said, but do as he did. He held himself to a high standard and level of accountability. Looking back, Thomas says, “…example is worth a thousand lectures…”
If only more CEOs and executives would grasp this basic concept of effective leadership. Granted, CEOs and executives have demanding jobs, constantly under pressure to provide answers, fix what is wrong, and produce financial results in a fast changing and highly competitive market environment. Even so, it’s amazing to see leaders destroy the credibility of their communications and plans due to a lack of personal or professional discipline.
The CEO is an example for the entire organization. Scott McNealy, co-founder and former CEO of Sun Microsystems, commented that when you occupy higher paid, highly visible leadership roles, you must live “beyond yourself.” In other words, a leader must demonstrate a clear willingness to set aside individual desires, motives, and preferences, acting in a manner of transparent character and integrity – not just at work, not just in front of employees, but every single moment of every single day, in public and in private.
These are intense expectations. To meet them, CEOs and executives must be mentally and physically fit. Have you ever noticed how many CEOs are physically fit? Some of my clients’ CEOs and executives compete in marathons, triathlons, or other physically demanding activities. We all know the physical and psychological health benefits of staying in shape, but the personal discipline required for getting (and staying) in shape carries over into other areas of life, including work.
Employees are more likely to be disciplined in their work when they see discipline modeled by their leaders. Are you willing to live “beyond yourself?”
Reminders of simple, practical disciplines for leaders who strive to build great organizations.
