Lead Where You Stand

1st Discipline: Composure
You can’t think, let alone lead, when you’re gripped up with anxiety and fear. Telling others to calm down is a cop out if you can’t calm yourself first. You need COMPOSURE to be your best self.

2nd Discipline: Connection
Anxiety infuses our relationships with tension. We fight. We run away. We dominate or roll over. But when you calm down, you can reduce your sensitivity to others and act in ways that strengthen CONNECTIONS with others without giving up your self.

3rd Discipline: Conviction
When the pressure’s on we forget our CONVICTIONS, our principles, our best self. But with composure, you can step back and remember who you are and who you want to be. Right here. Right now.

4th Discipline: Courage
Leaders don’t just talk. They act. And when they do, others will push back. They’ll want you to sit down and shut up rather than stand and speak up. It takes COURAGE to hold onto your convictions when this happens. But it’s the only way to adapt and move forward.

Doug and Kimberly have taught the Four Disciplines to people all over the world, from parents to presidents. If you’re interested in learning more about this course or our coaching services, please email Doug at dougmckenna@oceansideinstitute.org.

Lead where you stand

The Four Disciplines

Mature leaders bring a tangible, calming presence to every encounter or email. They resist the temptation to join in the emotional waves that sweep through organizations swamping intelligence, rupturing relationships, and destroying efficiency. Here’s how.

Copyright © D. Douglas and Kimberly A. McKenna, 2011