True Leadership - Issue #5
LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION: MENTAL TOUGHNESS
You can have a great vision and a ton of talent, but if you are not mentally and emotionally ready, your results as a leader will suffer. You will face difficult times as a leader. It's part of the job of being a leader and one of the primary reasons that leadership is necessary. Lou Holtz, a successful football coach, say that you will have at least 3 major challenges each year on average. But the challenges you face will not determine your level of success or lack thereof nearly as much as your attitude.
Great leaders choose their attitude on a consistent basis. They do things that are not normal, like feeling confident when others are uncertain. They also continually build a strong internal identity for themselves. They don't let negative images, thoughts or feelings stay in their heads. This level of mental toughness requires an active focus. Just like an athlete prepares for competition each day, you must prepare each day to be your best as a leader.
- To be mentally and emotionally ready, you must first define the Optimal Performance Identity (OPI) you will need to access to perform at your peak. Your OPI statement is a description of your beliefs of who you are as a leader, when you are at your absolute best.
- The OPI should describe in an ideal way:
- How great you feel when you are doing your job.
- How others ideally perceive you when you are doing your job.
- The special actions you take when you are doing your job.
- The outstanding results you produce when you are doing your job.
- The improvements you must make (stating them as though they have already been done) in order to perform at your peak.
Leadership OPI Example:
I am an outstanding leader. Every day I anticipate challenges and I energetically rise up to meet them. I use all my skills and I totally immerse myself in bringing out the best in my team. I make great decision when under pressure and I always do the right thing based upon the values of my organization. My energy, enthusiasm and commitment set an example for my team to follow. I love being a leader and I love being a part of this team! This is who I am! |
- In addition to your OPI statement you must also define the OPI Leadership Emotions you must feel in order to perform at your peak as a leader.
OPI
Leadership Emotions Example:
- 1. I am caring and connected.
- 2. I am playful and having fun.
- 3. I am certain and committed.
- 4. I am centered and relaxed.
- 5. I am energized and excited.
- 6. I am adventurous and daring.
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Exercise: Write your OPI statement and then write down the emotions that you will commit to feeling each day as a leader. Then read your OPI and trigger these emotions daily for the next 21 days.
Make it an outstanding day,
Tom McCarthy
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