In our series on leadership attributes, we now look at self-discipline. Self-discipline is important in all areas of life, not just for leaders. We need to demonstrate self-discipline to do those things that are important to us, even when we don’t feel like doing them. For example, we need to demonstrate discipline to read the Bible daily even when we are very busy. We need to demonstrate the discipline to get physical exercise – for me it is walking – even when the weather is not ideal. And we need to demonstrate discipline to eat a balanced diet, even when we would prefer to maintain a diet of pizza, hamburgers and ice cream.

Self-discipline is a very important attribute for leaders. Where I worked, we used to call it being a self-starter. Both terms mean essentially the same thing. As a leader, it is up to you do those things that will result in you being successful. John Maxwell tells us that the first person we lead is ourselves and we do that by cultivating self-discipline. He goes so far as to say that no matter how gifted a leader is, their gifts will never reach their maximum potential without the application of self-discipline.
What do we mean by self-discipline? A definition of self-discipline from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is “Correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement.” I’ve always liked the definition of character being doing the right thing when no one is watching. In a similar way, a leader demonstrates self-discipline when no one is watching. It is completely up to you as a leader to do those things that will help you to be and remain successful. You may have a mentor or coach to guide you, but it is really up to you to persevere and remain focused.
The Bible speaks much about self-discipline or self-control. For example, Paul speaks of pressing on in Philippians 3:12, athletes exercising self-control in all things in 1 Corinthians 9:25, and church leaders being self-controlled in Titus 1:8.
Here are three instances in which leaders need to demonstrate self-discipline:

• Leaders, at all stages of their career, need to continue to grow, learn and develop. They can do these by reading and discussing good books, working with mentors and mentoring others.
• Keeping confidence. Team members often trust their leaders with confidential information. They trust that their leaders will not violate their confidence by sharing that information with others.
• Drive results. Leaders are judged by a number of criteria. Where I worked, the obligations of leadership included driving results, developing people and creating a high performing environment. Although all three of these are important, it was the driving of results that was rewarded the most.

Leadership can be a lonely calling. Although leaders work in collaboration with other leaders and their team members, most of the time they need to be effectively leading themselves. In what other ways can you think that leaders need to demonstrate self-discipline?
Next time, we’ll continue our series on leadership attributes. This is an Adapted Excerpt From My Book “A LEADER WORTH FOLLOWING:
40 Key Leadership Attributes and Applications to Master”.