Leadership Qualities: Excellence means Discipline, Desire, Dedication, Determination

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Leadership Qualities: Excellence

We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. – Aristotle

    I've mentioned before the impact of my martial arts instructor in the realm of leadership,

and in excellence, there remains a resounding imprint of what I learned through him and in training. Excellence is made up of four segments, that is, there are essentially four qualities

that in cohesion, produce excellence. These are known as the "Four D's of Excellence":
           1. Discipline
           2. Desire
           3. Dedication
           4. Determination
I will spend a few moments on each point to clarify what it is that takes to produce excellence,

then relate that to how it makes one into a better leader.

Discipline

Discipline is the first step to attaining excellence in anything. This is one of the hardest parts,

as self-discipline and focus are often the hardest concepts for many to grasp.

Discipline requires a keen sense of self-awareness, judgement, and follow-through.

It is being hard on yourself, because you know you can do better.

It is the willful change in direction from current habits and routines to creating new,

and better habits. Discipline is the "How" in achieving excellence.

It is the moment by moment force of will you create when establishing a new goal or focus.

Desire

Mankind is interesting in the fact that he has the unique trait of do whatever it takes

to get what he really wants. We will spend countless hours in line for a new tech product,

or work a menial job to pay down debt, or even spend hours in front of tv...

We chase and pursue what we want, so the second element to excellence is desire.

You have to want to excel, to succeed. You have to find a passion, a motivator

to what you are doing. Desire is the "Why" in achieving excellence. What is it that drives you?

Why do you want to succeed in this particular field or project.

I'll take a break a make a point here too: if money, or that next promotion is the sole focus 

of desire or passion, excellence won't last. What happens when you finally get that promotion? Or that raise? Or you finally shed those extra pounds? 

Desire has to be rooted in something more concrete.

Dig deep for some strong convictions and roots as to why you want to excel,

there is where you find your desire.

Dedication

If Discipline is the "How", and Desire the "Why", then Dedication is the "When" 

of achieving excellence. Dedication is the anchor that holds us to our goals. 

When do we commit to excellence? Dedication says through it all. Thick or thin. 

It is knowing that even though I don't feel like waking up at 4:30 to work out, I do it anyway.

Or that even though this is a slow week at work, it's not the time to become lax or lazy,

but time to really push through with my dedication to excellence. Rough times or easy times, excellence necessitates a commitment. It needs dedication. It doesn't just happen.

Determination

Finally, Determination gives us the "To What Extent" of achieving excellence.

Am I willing to overcome any obstacles, distance or hardships that are thrown my way? Determination says, "Bring it on." A determined person is that person who stares down adversity

in the face and laughs. Excellence is achieved by weathering any obstacle or problem with vigor.

      So how does all this relate to being a good leader? By nature of the word itself,

excellence is seeking the absolute best. A good leader, better yet, an excellent leader

applies the "Four D's" to every part of his life. Whether work, play, home or school,

a good leader leads in excellence. He or she drives his team to pursue excellence

by setting a pace and expectation of excellence. A good leader coaches and drives his team

or employees to chase after excellence. Let's face it, excellence doesn't come naturally,

it requires hard work. It's something we all shoot for.

In closing, I point back to the quote at the beginning: "Excellence is not an act, but a habit."

It is a lifestyle. It is holistic. It is a pursuit that pushes us to do our very best,

and in turn inspiring others to do their very best. Creating a habit of excellence is not easy,

but it is worth it every moment of hard work. Discipline, Desire, Dedication, and Determination. These are the four D's of excellence. 

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