[October 3, 2018] Good habits are developed through a conscious and meticulous mental process. They are not accidental. However, the issue on our plate today is about competitive habits for leaders. It has been my personal experience that leaders who allow themselves to possess any behavior that is not overtly good, will struggle.
My blog post today is not about “how” to develop good habits; these are covered well in many, well-written articles. I’m also not writing about what those good leader habits are; I cover this in a “good habits” series right here at www.theLeaderMaker.com. Please go to them for more.
“I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.” – Walt Disney, American entrepreneur
What I want to impress upon everyone today is that leaders are in a competitive environment and in order to continue as an effective and respected leader, they should adopt competitive habits. It’s not just good enough to have good hygiene, proper table manners, and a cheerful personality (although it helps); a true leader must have habits that are tailored to the workplace.
Good habits for leaders means that a leader knows the inner-workings of the workplace, understands the people who work there, and is fully adapted to a culture of excellence. This is not simple and few can actually do it quickly or at all. It often takes years to understand and measure up to a culture of excellence (especially if such a culture doesn’t already exist).
To be competitive as a leader, one must learn the habit of making firm, timely, correct decisions that both accomplish the organization’s mission and takes care of those who work there. Anything short of this puts everyone at unnecessary risk. Thus, the epitome of a good leader is one with habits that puts the leader at a competitive advantage.
Sitting here drinking my coffee and thinking about how I can be non politically correct. After reading several articles of General Satterfield, I’m satisfied for the moment. I like Army Vet, Sadako Red, and Mr. Kennedy III the most. Well done.
Yeah! I a fan too of them and this blog. To get craziness, just listen to the news, especially CNN, NBC, ABC, and the other nutjobs that would rather pontificate than report really what’s happening in the world.
It’s been a while since we hear from Sadako Red. More More More !! Just kidding. Please pass along our wishes for another article, Gen. Satterfield and thanks.
Good ideas in this article and on a common subject but with a different kind of view. That’s why I always read these articles. Makes my day better knowing that I learned something useful.
A competitive person at work who takes on extra work and responsibilities can be an asset to the whole team. This is what competition is all about. It makes us better in every way.
Here is another good article that adds to what you are saying Gen. Satterfield.
“How to Keep Your Cool with Competitive People: People skills to help you stand your ground”
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201109/how-keep-your-cool-competitive-people
Showing respect for others is essential if you want to stay on the healthy side of the competition.
Competition drives us to learn at a faster rate and perform at a higher level. When we are playing a game we push a little harder. In doing so we surprise ourselves of what we are capable of accomplishing.
Nice blog post today, Gen. Satterfield.:-) 🙂 🙂
Competitive habits are also good for kids.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/15-reason-competitive-sports-are-great-for-kids-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-winning_b_7219150
One of my favorites from the article is that competition teaches us to manage our nerves.
Interesting. Thanks guys!
“How to Be Competitive in a Non‐Destructive Way” An article worth reading to compliment what is being said here.
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Competitive-in-a-Non‐Destructive-Way
Thanks for again pushing the idea that good leaders spend time ensuring they have good habits (and competitive habits too).
Yes, a thoughtful article on a subject that has received a lot of attention over the past 20 years or so. Thank you.
Developing and keeping good habits is much more important than the average person believes. The reason is simple. We all make thousands of decisions every day. If we do not have good habits, then that means we have to think thru each decision. Too much time and energy.
Very true. Spot on comment.
Nice twist on the idea of competitive habits that are good for you and for the organization.
Competition teaches us to bring our best effort. Keeping score gives us extra motivation to do our best. We pursue excellence when we compete.
Yes, I agree with you Andrew. Thanks for bringing this up. I would not have thought of it.