Leadership Rituals that Make Each Day Count

Screen Shot 2014-06-01 at 11.09.13 PM

In the words of Napoleon Hill, it is not what you are going to do but what you are doing today that counts.

You can learn everything you need to learn in order to achieve anything, but you can never change your leadership until you change your rituals.

Rituals can strengthen and spotlight the values, intentions, and experiences you have chosen to live by; they and can be useful when we are trying to figure out what is important.

Here are some things that great leaders are doing wholeheartedly to make each day count.

Ritual of READING:  Books are the understated and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of mentors, and the most patient of teachers. Become an avid reader; invest your time by reading something educational, inspirational, or motivational.

Ritual of LISTENING:  Leaders know that time is precious. Give yourself the advantage of learning something new by listening to audio programs—and repeat them until you have digested the information. Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. Learn something by listening.

Ritual of MENTORSHIP:  One of the greatest things we can do for ourselves is to learn from a mentors.  A mentor isn’t someone who lectures, but someone who inspires you to give the best in order to discover what you already know. Find a mentor, grasp what they have done, copy what they do, and then learn how to improve upon it.

Ritual of FEEDBACK: Leaders embrace feedback both negative and positive. Find someone who knows you well and ask them for feedback. Don’t justify or argue but listen and evaluate the feedback carefully, especially when it gets hard to swallow or accept. Use all feedback to learn.

Ritual of ASKING:  As leaders, in order to grow, we must be willing to ask for help—whether it’s assistance with a short-term situations or identifying and correcting a bad patterns. The more that we ask, the more things we will know. The more that we learn, the more we will grow.

Ritual of JOURNALING:  Many of the best leaders keep a journal and develop a daily habit of journaling. It’s an excellent way to measure your growth and progress, which is sometimes hard to grasp in the day-to-day perspective. Journaling helps us to see clearer, to remember more, and to see what counts.

Ritual Of IMPROVEMENT:   The best leaders dedicate themselves to constant growth. They commit to finding small ways to improve, every day, all the time. No matter how good you get you can always get better, and that’s the exciting part.

Rituals can be transformative. The amalgamation of setting an intention, heightens our focus, elevates our emotional involvement, and embodies our participation in effecting our lives and leading.

Make a better tomorrow, by making each day count.

Lead From Within: When you become a little bit better each day when you make learning a constant ritual. The best leaders are constantly improving, learning, growing and developing.

 


 

N A T I O N A L   B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness

After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.

buy now

 


 

Additional Reading you might enjoy:

 

Photographer Joel Robison


Lolly Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans 14 countries, six languages and hundreds of companies. As founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her proprietary leadership program is engineered to be a catalyst for leaders who want to enhance performance and make a meaningful difference in their companies, their lives, and the world.

Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.

  1. Frank Sonnenberg

    03. Jun, 2014

    I love this post Lolly. I’ve always been a BIG advocate of learning and self improvement. This post shows us the way. It’s interesting to note that people who lack humility stop doing these things. Awesome post!

    Have an awesome day!

    Best,

    Frank

    Reply to this comment
  2. Katie Novak

    03. Jun, 2014

    “Books are the understated and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of mentors, and the most patient of teachers.” is my new mantra. Awesome post. I need a poster that says that.

    Reply to this comment
  3. Jon Mertz

    03. Jun, 2014

    Lolly,

    Spot on! We need to embrace daily habits or rituals to always learn, grow, and become better people and leaders. Great message and, most importantly, practices to use!

    Jon

    Reply to this comment
  4. Terri Klass

    03. Jun, 2014

    Love, love this post, Lolly as it gets to the most important strategies of leadership!

    When we commit to daily actions, we empower ourselves to grow, learn and innovate. Our rituals can evolve into our master plan of the way we want to lead.

    Another ritual I like is attending conferences and meeting thought leaders who can challenge us and motivate us to explore the unknown.

    Thanks Lolly!

    Reply to this comment
  5. lollydaskal

    03. Jun, 2014

    Thanks for adding to the rituals Terri, it is a great suggestion.

    Lolly

    Reply to this comment
  6. Panteli Tritchew

    03. Jun, 2014

    Great post with wonderful reminders, Lolly.
    Rituals are a kind of cultivated caring for ourselves. The deeper and more intentionally we practice ritual, the deeper and more intentionally we care for ourselves. Unless we do, how can we care for others?
    Take care…Panteli

    Reply to this comment
    • lollydaskal

      04. Jun, 2014

      Love the wisdom you brought to the article.

      THE DEEPER AND MORE INTENTIONAL OUR PRACTICE
      THE DEEPER MORE INTENTIONAL WE CARE…

      love that Panteli thanks for sharing.
      Lolly

      Reply to this comment
  7. sridhar laxman

    03. Jun, 2014

    Hi Lolly,

    Thank you for the wonderful and important post.

    Am a huge fan of this approach, I believe our daily actions are either strengthening or weakening our habits depending on what we choose to do.

    If I may, I would add rituals of mindfulness, appreciation and empathy to this powerful list.

    Kind regards
    Sridhar

    Reply to this comment
  8. lollydaskal

    04. Jun, 2014

    Sridhar,

    Thanks for the addition… much needed and much warranted.

    Appreciate your wisdom!

    Lolly

    Reply to this comment
  9. Sam Aparicio

    04. Jun, 2014

    Lolly,

    I read this article’s repost on Business Insider, titled “7 Daily Rituals of Highly Effective Leaders”. I’m sure it has resonated with many of your readers.

    I think it would be more powerful if you could document the actual daily rituals of a statistically significant sample of leaders whose effectiveness can be quantitatively measured.

    Otherwise there is no way for any of us to tell whether this advice is just your opinion or is based on any actual finding.

    Sam

    Reply to this comment
  10. Mel Jones

    04. Jun, 2014

    I love it Lolly,

    I 100% agree that DAILY self-developement is extremely important to not only be successful, but to also become the type of person we would love to see our kids become.

    The final ritual is the Ritual of Application: Applying yourself to your dream everyday. Thats what brings it all together.

    – BEAST

    Reply to this comment
  11. Dilep Misra

    05. Jun, 2014

    Hi Lolly,

    Great article and very appropriate. Daily rituals are really important on a day today life.

    I feel A leader should also walk the talk and Daily not only learn but also Teach, Develop and coach people for giving their best.

    Best Regards
    Dilep

    Reply to this comment
  12. Albert Udig

    05. Jun, 2014

    I love this post. Leadership excellence requires conscious efforts that will transform into a habit. At that point you’re on autopilot.

    Reply to this comment
    • lollydaskal

      05. Jun, 2014

      Albert you put it nicely!

      Leadership excellence requires conscious efforts that will transform into a habit…

      Thanks

      Lolly

      Reply to this comment
  13. David McGlennen

    05. Jun, 2014

    I love your closing line:”Make a better tomorrow, by making each day count.” It reminds me of my mentor, John Maxwell’s book “Today Matters”.

    Great blog and reminder for all leaders. Thanks Lolly!

    Reply to this comment
  14. Ron Hirst

    05. Jun, 2014

    Great article! If we can become intentional in integrating the practices, what an impact. I think if one can harness the power of frequency, that is, a little every day it would pay significant dividends in the quality of life and the value we could add to others.

    Reply to this comment
  15. Tarik

    10. Jun, 2014

    Lolly, I totally agree with each of your 7 points towards being a better leader. My only concern might be the word ritual – which can sometimes be used to mean we pay lip service to something. Your thoughts are more important than that and deserve to be pursued wholeheartedly.

    Reply to this comment
  16. Hannah Tan

    13. Jun, 2014

    It is a great way to learn rituals in our daily lives as a leader Lolly. It is a challenge to practice on how we interact every situation that we encounter in our daily walk. It also a way of molding our characters and be passionately enough to take this rituals to grow more and to learn more. Nice share Lolly.

    Reply to this comment
  17. Lisa Murray

    18. Jun, 2014

    Lolly,

    Great read! I truly believe that each of us reach our full potential to the extent that we embrace these rituals. For me, continued learning and journaling are requirements to stay connected with my identity, my values and beliefs. They help me to best live out my mission statement in a positive and effective way.

    Thanks,
    Lisa Murray http://lmurraycounseling.com/#!blog/cznz

    Reply to this comment
    • Danielle

      29. Jun, 2014

      Thank you, Lolly. You give hope and courage openly. It’s tough to recognize when we’ve strayed from what leads to ultimate success and inner strength. Thank you for putting me back where I need to be. -Dani

      Reply to this comment
      • lollydaskal

        01. Jul, 2014

        Thanks Danielle, I truly appreciate your comment. It is very tough to realize when we stray, it is even harder when we stray to bring ourselves back to where we want to be. Life goes in cycles and we must learn to go with it, the best way we can. Our rituals help.
        Lolly

        Reply to this comment
  18. Google

    12. Jul, 2014

    Simply want to say your article is as amazing.
    The clarity to your put up is just nice and i could assume you are a professional
    in this subject. Well along with your permission allow me to clutch your feed to keep updated with impending post.
    Thanks one million and please carry on the rewarding work.

    Reply to this comment
  19. Dawood Chishti

    19. Jul, 2014

    “Make a better tomorrow, by making each day count”
    Love it.

    Reply to this comment
  20. Monica Coronel

    30. Jul, 2014

    Create a ritual of Silence and you will find all the answers.

    Reply to this comment
  21. Ethel

    09. Aug, 2014

    My brother suggested I may like this web site. He used to be
    totally right. This submit actually made my day. You
    cann’t believe just how a lot time I had spent for this info!
    Thanks!

    Reply to this comment
  22. https://wpbuddy.zendesk.com

    11. Aug, 2014

    Amazing things here. I am very glad to peer your post.
    Thank you a lot and I am looking forward to touch you.

    Will you please drop me a e-mail?

    Reply to this comment
  23. Sunil Uttam

    22. Sep, 2014

    Thanks Lolly. This sure has re-enforced my own belief that consistency and rhythm is what gets you results, in all aspects of life. I was just wondering if you may want to add inside out rituals for effective leadership like meditation, exercise, reflection (goes hand in hand with journaling you mentioned) and relaxation, which a lot of us tend to ignore, postpone. A balanced ritual system can create a peaceful warrior (this is a very beautiful and inspiring movie).

    Reply to this comment
  24. nordstrom uggs sale

    29. Nov, 2014

    Hi! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and finally got the
    bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx!
    Just wanted to say keep up the good work!

    Reply to this comment
  25. ugg tall bailey button

    29. Nov, 2014

    Hi! I’ve been reading your web site for a while now and
    finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas!
    Just wanted to say keep up the excellent work!

    Reply to this comment
  26. tas xd

    31. Jan, 2015

    Great web site. Plenty of helpful information here.
    I’m sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious.
    And of course, thank you in your sweat!

    Reply to this comment
  27. Andre

    01. Feb, 2015

    Generally I do not learn article on blogs, however I wish to say that this
    write-up very compelled me to check out and do so!
    Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very great post.

    Reply to this comment
  28. Tyree

    25. May, 2015

    Thanks to my father who shared with me regarding this weblog, this web site is genuinely awesome.

    Reply to this comment
  29. Gail Giovanniello

    23. Jun, 2015

    This is an important article. It reminds me to stay present in the moment. It is beautifully and simply written.
    Thank you for sharing.

    Reply to this comment
  30. Phil Kamutenga

    21. Jul, 2015

    Good article Lolly. I read a lot of your writing. Thanks

    Reply to this comment
  31. Dipak Samanta

    30. Jul, 2016

    Keep up the good work. Your articles and blogs are inspiring.
    Superb.
    Dipak

    Reply to this comment
  32. Doug Drosin

    04. Sep, 2016

    Excellent post, Lolly – thanks for publishing this. What I’m taking away from insights is this: each “ritual” involves LEARNING. I’m sure that I’m not the only one that picked up on this, Lolly: your readers are unanimously life-long learners.

    Reply to this comment
  33. Sohail Manzoor

    24. Aug, 2017

    Ma’am that’s another great post from you. I need some link that shares the respect between employees specially between manages and sub ordinates in all situations especially worse situations.

    Reply to this comment

Leave a Reply