The science of leadership - care

When working with leaders, we draw on behavioural science, especially motivational science, to understand the physical and mental habits that our clients possess. In essence, our habits are our ‘go-to’ actions and behaviours when presented with or anticipating a stimulus. The more we revert to our habits, the more skilled we become at them to the point of unconscious competence; we don’t even need to think about what we’ll do, we just do it.  

Such skills can be either healthy or unhealthy, either helping us to live well or contributing to our undoing. Whether we orientate towards healthy, productive habits or counterproductive skills will be determined by the quality of our beliefs and our experiences. Such habits significantly inform the quality and effectiveness of our leadership - how we come across to others, manage our energy, make decisions, identify risk, pursue vision, and solve problems; how curious, determined, open and trusting we are.  

The skill of care.  

One of the foundational skills we need in life and leadership is the habit of care. The ability to look after people, work, relationships, jobs, reputation and material things, including our physical health and well-being. It is the desire followed by action to look after these things. Intent on its own is not enough; the skill is in the follow through.   

Some examples are:

• locking the door when leaving the house (care for the security of the home) 

• brushing teeth regularly 

• sending a birthday card on time to a good friend 

• revising for an exam 

• preparing materials for a client presentation; getting there on time and unhurried 

• calling someone by their correct name 

• paying proper attention when in a work meeting, chatting with a friend, or with family 

• taking necessary medication as prescribed 

• being careful to use kind language even when frustrated.  

The underlying beliefs that support these habits, which in turn become unconscious skills, include things like these:  

• “Proper preparation prevents poor performance” 

• “Without good sleep, I don’t function well” 

• “I can’t fix everything, I need people who can help me (and they need me)” 

• “It’s costly to lose a friend” 

• “Being organised reduces stress” 

• “It’s important to thank people” 

• “Professional standards matter” 

• “Burning bridges with people is a last resort.” 

Whatever the source of these and similar beliefs (usually upbringing), they provide the foundation on which healthy habits are formed.

Read part two on overcoming self-sabotage here.