We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle
During my coaching sessions my clients often ask me what the most important habits or practices are that they should adopt to be successful leaders. As their coach though, it is not my place to simply tell them. They need to discover what makes the most sense for them to lead authentically and powerfully in a way that aligns with their values, goals and unique leadership style.
In our 1:1 coaching sessions, I guide them to uncover this for themselves using my Signature Framework WiseHeartMindMethod™️. And time and time again, they tell me that discovering their leadership habits rather than being told what to do is what created lasting, transformative change in their relationships, teams, and careers.
That said, there are a few standout practices that consistently rise to the top. Here are the Top 6 Most Impactful Habits for Leaders I’ve observed in my work with executives, founders, and emerging changemakers alike.
1. Make a To Be List
Successful leaders don’t just rely on a standard to-do list. What sets them apart is their commitment to a To Be List. An intentional practice of deciding how they want to show up, not just what they want to accomplish.
Before your day begins, take a few moments to scan your calendar. Ask yourself:
- Who am I meeting with today?
- What energy or presence do I want to bring?
- How do I want people to feel after engaging with me?
By focusing less on “doing” and more on “being,” you’ll elevate your leadership presence, build stronger relationships, and make a more memorable impact. Because long after people forget your words or your slide deck… they’ll remember how you made them feel.
2. Cultivate the Art of Presence
Let’s be real. We’re all overstimulated. Phones buzzing. Notifications popping. Family interruptions. A never-ending to-do list that spills into every hour of the day.
But the leaders who truly stand out? They’ve mastered the ability to be present. Even in chaos and uncertainty.
Presence is magnetic. It tells your team: “You matter. I’m here.” It builds psychological safety, trust, and connection. The three non-negotiables in today’s workplaces.
So next time you’re in a meeting, try this:
- Silence your phone. Face it down.
- Close your laptop if you’re not presenting.
- Take one grounding breath before speaking.
These small shifts help you listen deeply, speak with intention, and lead with clarity when everything around you is demanding your attention.
3. Set Boundaries That Actually Hold
One of the biggest myths I help my clients unlearn is that saying “yes” all the time makes you a good leader. It doesn’t. It makes you a burned-out one.
The most respected leaders know how to set boundaries with confidence and compassion. They honour their energy, time, and priorities — and they communicate limits without guilt.
Whether it’s blocking deep work time, declining meetings that don’t need you, or saying no to one more thing on an already full plate, boundaries are leadership in action.
Here’s your permission slip: Protecting your capacity is not selfish. It’s essential.
4. Prioritise Reflective Practice
Great leaders aren’t just in action. They also use reflection to pause intentionally. They ask:
- What worked?
- What didn’t?
- What do I want to do differently next time?
Reflection is where insight lives. Whether it’s a quick journal entry, voice memo, or end-of-week review, making reflection a weekly habit helps you course-correct faster and lead with greater clarity.
And if you’re navigating change, managing complexity, or evolving your leadership identity, then reflection isn’t optional. It’s your anchor.
5. Own Your Voice
Many of the leaders I work with, especially women in male-dominated industries, tell me they often hesitate to speak up in meetings especially after being spoken over, second-guess their contributions, hold themselves back to keep the peace or make themselves small so they don’t stand out too much.
But here’s the truth: your voice is your power.
One of the most powerful habits you can build is the courage to speak up, own your expertise, and ask for what you need. Whether it’s advocating for a project you believe in, offering feedback, or setting a boundary — using your voice changes the game.
It’s not about being loud. It’s about being clear, grounded, and unapologetically you.
6. Regulate Before You Respond
Every leader faces tough moments. Criticism, conflict, curveballs, failure…The leaders who rise above don’t react impulsively. They pause, breathe and regulate their nervous system before responding.
Emotional regulation is one of the most underrated leadership skills.
Try this the next time you’re triggered:
- Name what you’re feeling (e.g. “I feel frustrated, undermined, ignored, disrespected, shame”).
- Take three slow breaths.
- Buy yourself time with a phrase like: “Let me reflect on that and come back to you.”
This simple pause can prevent escalation, model emotional intelligence, and help you respond with power, not pressure.
Final Thoughts: Leadership is Built in the Moments No One Sees
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life to become a more powerful leader. You just need to start small and be consistent.
Leadership isn’t a title. It’s how you show up when no one’s watching. And it’s the daily habits that build trust, influence, and legacy over time. My hope is that the Top 6 Most Impactful Habits for Leaders will help you with this.
If you’re ready to discover the habits, boundaries, and presence practices that align with your leadership style and not someone else’s blueprint, that’s exactly what we do in my 1:1 coaching program, Intentionally You.
✨ I only have limited spots available for the rest of this year.
Let’s help you lead from within — with clarity, calm, and unshakable confidence.
Enquire now to see if we’re a fit. If we are then you will be invited to work with me. You can DM me to apply or head to my website to discover more and book yourself in.
