Imprinting a new leadership habit is never easy.
Most new behaviors are uncomfortable, especially at first. Because the new behavior is not how we typically engage, it feels inauthentic.
Others notice that as well and often resist whichever habit we are trying to create. People prefer consistency from leaders and usually fail to reward a new leadership behavior before it becomes commonplace.
Add to this wave of resistance the fact that we lack proficiency in the new behavior and often employ it clumsily, and it’s not hard to understand why inculcating a new leadership habit is so difficult.
As with any new habit, repetition is key. A leader needs to attempt the new behavior as often as possible. Repetition builds muscle and intellectual memory as well as enhances skill. The more often we employ the new behavior, the more likely it is for an effective habit to be born.
Besides repetition, other choices can also impact the likelihood of whether a new leadership behavior will become a norm.
Chief among these choices is to master the new behavior in low-consequence situations. When there is little at stake, and the downside of performing the new behavior inexpertly is low, leaders are more likely to attempt the behavior and learn from the experience.
The best advice is to use safe environments to create comfort, expertise, and success before stepping out and using the behavior in more challenging situations.
Trying the behavior with trusted relationships that are less likely to judge a leader poorly for attempting something new also lowers the risk. In some highly trusted relationships, leaders can even forecast to others what behavior they are attempting to master and ask for help, feedback, or both.
Once a leader has had more practice in low-risk environments, they are now ready to showcase the new behavior in less familiar situations and when there is more on the line. Given the confidence they have instilled in low-risk situations, they are now better prepared to handle any missteps or resistance without giving up.
New leadership habits are hard to develop but worth the effort. The leader’s habits determine almost everything they accomplish or fail to accomplish, especially with people.
Give yourself the best odds of forging a new habit. Try them where and when it is safe first, and then spread out.
