From intention to action – how to develop effective leadership habits

An effective leadership style requires a shift from mere intentions to concrete actions through the development of habits created by routines and deliberate practice.
While a leader’s intentions are important, it is ultimately action that matters. Ken Blanchard emphasized this in the webinar “Simple Truths of Leadership: Moving from Intention to Action” with a quote from his father Ted Blanchard: “Talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy whiskey.” It’s not enough just to talk – you have to do it.

Habits as the key

Habits can help us to turn an intention into an action. A habit is defined as a learned pattern of behavior that is performed regularly until it becomes almost automatic. Behavioral patterns are a leader’s routines – the practices and actions that are performed daily without consciously thinking about them.

The book “Simple Truths of Leadership” by Ken Blanchard and Randy Conley identifies 52 basic habits and principles that describe a trustworthy servant leader. The companion guidebook, “Simple Truths of Leadership Playbook,” also provides specific instructions for making each of the 52 habits a personal leadership practice.

Develop routines and habits

The key to developing a habit is to first develop a routine. How is a routine different from a habit? While habits are behaviors that happen without conscious thought, routines are behaviors that are performed consciously and intentionally. Routines come first, habits follow.

When it comes to forming new routines, it is helpful to use nudges – behavioral psychology tips and techniques. Ken and Randy define the following nudges that can help develop the habits of a servant leader:

• Schedule it: If you want to make sure something gets done, put it in your calendar. It may seem unusual at first, but it will help you create time for the new habit you want to establish.
• Take small steps: It is understandable that you are initially overwhelmed by the effort required to develop a new leadership habit. Instead of focusing on the end result, focus on the process. What is the next best step you can take to become the leader you want to be?
• Anticipate obstacles: Whenever you focus on developing a new routine, obstacles may arise that will interfere with you achieving your goal. It is therefore important to deal with them and take them into consideration. Make sure you have a plan B.
• Have compassion for yourself: Many leaders are their own biggest critics. Unfortunately, self-criticism does not help to develop new habits. Self-compassion, on the other hand, is an effective motivator that encourages us to keep going, even if we are not always successful.

Being a servant leader means constantly developing yourself. It’s the journey that counts, not the destination. You never reach the point where you can say, “I’m done!” It’s about continuous improvement and development. Routines and habits help you to become the leader your employees deserve.