Daily habits are routine practices that individuals consistently engage in every day. Daily habits, whether consciously adopted or formed over time, shape our overall productivity, well-being, and effectiveness in various aspects of life, including personal and professional domains. Daily habits are the building blocks of our daily routine and have a cumulative impact on our success and efficiency.
Daily habits that are positive and strategically aligned with our goals, drive significant improvements in performance and personal growth. Negative or unproductive habits hinder progress and lead to inefficiencies. Therefore, understanding and intentionally cultivating beneficial daily habits is crucial for achieving long-term success and effectiveness, particularly in roles that require effective people management. Cultivating habits like being proactive and having a clear vision of goals—knowing the end from the beginning—are essential for fostering a productive and harmonious work environment as a manager.
Studies conducted by Jeong-Sik Kim from the Department of Business Administration at Daejin University, South Korea, titled ‘Effect of Psychological Meaningfulness on Job Involvement, Proactive Behavior, and Performance,’ have shown that proactive behaviors lead to higher job satisfaction and better performance outcomes.
Another habit frequently observed among successful people is constant reading. Engaging with diverse materials not only broadens knowledge but also sharpens decision-making skills, which is particularly valuable in management roles. According to a study published in the “Journal of Applied Psychology,” reading regularly enhances cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities (O’Reilly et al., 2013).
Connecting with other successful individuals provides valuable insights and inspiration. Networking with peers who exhibit effective management practices offers new perspectives and strategies, which is in line with researchers like Stephen R. Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” which emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and relationship-building.
Ashley Herd’s work on daily habits and their impact on management also supports the principles. Herd highlights that successful managers consistently apply positive habits to improve their leadership capabilities.
Managers get deeper understanding of daily habits and it’s effects by watching videos and educational content on daily management practices. Daily bad habits like poor management lead to decreased productivity, strained team dynamics, and overall diminished effectiveness. Below are 16 Daily habits for effective people management.
1. Be Proactive
2. Begin With the End in Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win-Win
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw
1. Be Proactive
Being proactive is taking control of your actions and decisions, rather than reacting to external circumstances. Being proactive fosters personal discipline and leadership skills by emphasizing responsibility and initiative. Being proactive helps managers anticipate challenges and act on opportunities, leading to more strategic and effective team management. Proactivity is crucial for maintaining clarity and focus in leadership. Being proactive prevents being overwhelmed by reactive tasks and supports a balanced approach to team and personal responsibilities. Elon Musk’s proactive approach in setting ambitious goals for Tesla and SpaceX showcases how taking initiative drives company success and team motivation. Practicing proactivity improves leadership by instilling a sense of direction and foresight, leading to increased team engagement and productivity.
A study by Bateman, T. S., & Crant, J. M. (1993) in “The Proactive Component of Organizational Behavior: A Measure and Correlates” published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, finds that proactivity is positively correlated with leadership effectiveness and goal achievement. Distractions and passive responses undermine proactivity, leading to missed opportunities and reactive management. By cultivating a proactive mindset, individuals set a strong foundation for Beginning with the End in Mind, being equipped to align actions with long-term goals.
2. Begin With the End in Mind
Beginning with the end in mind is a habit that involves envisioning the desired outcomes before starting a project or task. Beginning with the end in mind promotes effective planning and goal-setting, crucial for personal discipline and strategic leadership. Managers who begin with the end set clear objectives, guiding the team with a focused vision. Starting with the end in mind ensures that efforts are directed toward achieving long-term goals, thus maintaining clarity and preventing aimless work. Steve Jobs famously began with the end in mind while developing Apple’s product strategy, envisioning the impact of each product long before launching, which helped guide his team’s efforts and drive innovation. Leaders who begin with the end in mind communicate goals, enhancing team alignment and overall productivity.
Edwin A. Locke’s studies on goal-setting theory emphasize that clear, challenging goals lead to higher performance compared to vague or non-specific goals. The findings from various studies support the idea that clarity in goal-setting enhances team performance. Lack of vision and goal ambiguity lead to misaligned efforts and ineffective management. Establishing clear end goals supports Putting First Things First, ensuring that prioritization aligns with long-term objectives.
3. Put First Things First
Putting first things first is prioritizing important tasks over urgent but less critical activities. Putting first things first aids in managing time and resources effectively, which is vital for personal discipline and leading teams to focus on high-impact activities. Prioritization helps in maintaining focus on essential tasks and balancing immediate demands with strategic objectives. Warren Buffett’s focus on high-priority investments over lesser opportunities illustrates how prioritization leads to substantial long-term success and effective team management. Effective prioritization enhances leadership by fostering a clear sense of direction and productivity among team members.
According to Claessens, B. J., van Eerde, W., Rutte, C. G., & Roe, R. A. (2007) in “A Review of the Time Management Literature” published in the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, find that prioritizing tasks improves productivity and job performance. Procrastination and poor prioritization, in contrast, result in missed deadlines and reduced team efficiency. Mastering prioritization prepares individuals for “Thinking Win-Win,” which ensures focus on mutually beneficial outcomes in collaborations.
4. Think Win-Win
Thinking Win-Win is seeking mutually beneficial solutions in interactions and negotiations. Thinking Win-Win fosters a cooperative atmosphere and enhances personal discipline by encouraging leaders to find solutions that benefit everyone involved, promoting trust and respect. Thinking Win-Win helps in maintaining harmonious relationships and ensures that personal and team goals align, balancing individual and collective needs. In business negotiations, Richard Branson’s approach to creating win-win partnerships has led to successful collaborations and long-lasting relationships, enhancing team cohesion and performance. Leaders who think win-win inspire collaboration and mutual respect, improving team dynamics and productivity.
Thompson, L. (2015) in “The Mind and Heart of the Negotiator”, discusses how effective negotiation strategies, including win-win approaches, contribute to better team performance and collaboration. Win-lose or competitive mindsets, on the other hand, create conflict and reduce team morale. Embracing a win-win mentality enhances the effectiveness of “Seeking First to Understand then to Be Understood”, which builds a foundation of mutual respect and effective communication.
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
The habit of seeking first to understand, then to be understood is actively listening to others before expressing one’s own views. Seeking first to understand, and then to be understood enhances interpersonal communication and understanding, essential for personal discipline and effective leadership. Managers who seek first to understand address team concerns more effectively and build stronger relationships. Active listening helps in comprehending different perspectives, leading to balanced decision-making and improved team cohesion. Satya Nadella’s emphasis on empathetic listening has transformed Microsoft’s culture, leading to increased employee engagement and a more collaborative environment. Leaders who listen first build trust and credibility, fostering a more engaged and productive team.
Daniel Goleman’s book “Primal Leadership: Learning to Lead with Emotional Intelligence”, co-authored with Richard Boyatzis, discusses how emotional intelligence, including skills like empathetic listening, is crucial for effective leadership. Miscommunication and dismissiveness, in contrast, lead to misunderstandings and reduced team morale. Effective listening supports Synergizing, which facilitates collaboration and integration of diverse ideas and perspectives.
6. Synergize
Synergizing is combining the strengths of individuals to achieve better results than working separately. Synergizing promotes teamwork and creativity, vital for personal discipline and leadership. Managers who synergize harness collective strengths to drive team success. Synergizing leverages diverse talents and perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and a more balanced approach to achieving goals. Google’s collaborative culture exemplifies synergizing, where diverse teams work together to create groundbreaking products and solutions. Synergizing enhances team performance by integrating varied skills and ideas, resulting in more effective problem-solving and higher productivity.
Ancona, D. G., & Caldwell, D. F. (1992) study “Demography and Design: Predictors of New Product Team Performance” published in Organization Science, explores how team composition and interaction (which are related to synergy) impact team performance and innovation. Working in silos or failing to collaborate, on the contrary, stifles creativity and reduces overall team effectiveness. Developing synergizing skills sets the stage for Sharpening the Saw, as continuous improvement and collaboration enhance overall effectiveness.
7. Sharpen the Saw
Sharpening the saw is regularly renewing oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to maintain high performance. Sharpening the saw ensures ongoing personal development and resilience, which is crucial for sustaining leadership effectiveness and personal discipline. Regular renewal helps in maintaining balance and preventing burnout, thereby enhancing focus and long-term productivity. Oprah Winfrey’s commitment to personal growth and self-care, including exercise and mindfulness, has been key to her sustained success and leadership effectiveness.
Leaders who invest in self-renewal manage stress and model a balanced lifestyle, positively influencing team morale and productivity. Kabat-Zinn, J. (2005) in “Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life” discusses how mindfulness and self-care practices enhance mental health, reduce stress, and contribute to overall well-being. While not specific to leadership, the principles are applied to enhance leadership effectiveness. Neglecting self-care, in contrast, leads to burnout, decreased productivity, and weakened leadership. Regular self-renewal supports Reading Constantly, which ensures leaders are refreshed and open to continuous learning.
What are some Habits of Successful People?
Below are 9 Habits of successful people.
1. They’re Constantly Reading
2. They Make Time for Personal Pursuits Before Work
3. They Spend Focused Time Each Day Reflecting
4. They Prioritize Daily Exercise
5. They Organize Their Time and Effort
6. They Surround Themselves with Other Successful People
7. They Attract Success by Serving Others
8. They Take Care of Themselves
9. They Practice Positivity, Meditation, and Gratitude
1. They’re Constantly Reading
Constant reading is regularly engaging with new information and knowledge. Constant reading promotes intellectual growth and adaptability, essential for personal discipline and informed leadership. Managers who read continuously stay updated on industry trends and improve decision-making. Reading broadens perspectives and maintains mental sharpness, contributing to balanced and informed leadership. Bill Gates’ habit of reading extensively contributes to his broad knowledge base and innovative thinking, enhancing his leadership and decision-making capabilities. Leaders who read regularly are better equipped to inspire and guide their teams with up-to-date knowledge and insights.
A study by Higgs, M., & Rowland, D. (2011) in “Building on the Past: The Impact of Leadership Development on Effective Leadership” published in the Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, indicates that regular learning and development contribute significantly to leadership effectiveness. Ignoring continuous learning, on the other hand, results in stagnation and outdated knowledge, impacting leadership effectiveness. A habit of constant reading supports “Making Time for Personal Pursuits,” which ensures leaders remain intellectually engaged and balanced.
2. They Make Time for Personal Pursuits Before Work
Making time for personal pursuits before work is engaging in activities that bring personal satisfaction and joy prior to professional responsibilities. Making time for personal pursuits before work promotes work-life balance and personal well-being, crucial for effective leadership and maintaining high levels of personal discipline. Prioritizing personal activities helps maintain mental health and motivation, leading to better focus and productivity at work. Tim Ferriss, known for his emphasis on personal time management and personal pursuits, effectively balances work and personal interests, enhancing productivity and leadership.
Leaders who prioritize personal time are more engaged and effective, leading to improved team morale and performance. E. J., Hawkins, A. J., & Ferris, M. (2001) in “Finding an Extra Day: An Investigation of How Personal and Family Work Supports Affect Work-Life Conflict” published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, also indicate that maintaining a balance between personal and professional life enhances job satisfaction and productivity. Neglecting personal interests for work on the other hand, leads to burnout and decreased effectiveness. Prioritizing personal time supports “Spending Focused Time Each Day Reflecting,” which ensures leaders are well-rounded and balanced.
3. They Spend Focused Time Each Day Reflecting
Spending focused time each day reflecting is setting aside time for personal contemplation and self-assessment. Spending focused time each day reflecting enhances self-awareness and decision-making, critical for personal discipline and effective leadership. Managers who reflect regularly understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Daily reflection helps in maintaining clarity and focus by providing insights into personal and professional goals, leading to improved management and productivity. Bill Gates’ practice of regular reflection on his goals and strategies contributes to his effective leadership and ongoing success.
Leaders who engage in daily reflection have greater self-awareness and effectiveness, positively influencing team performance Goleman, D. (1998) in “What Makes a Leader?” published in Harvard Business Review, discusses how self-awareness, a component of reflection, is crucial for effective leadership, the study emphasizes the importance of reflection for leadership development. Neglecting reflection, on the contrary, leads to a lack of direction and ineffective leadership. Daily reflection lays the groundwork for “Prioritizing Daily Exercise,” which helps leaders integrate personal growth with physical well-being.
4. They Prioritize Daily Exercise
Prioritizing daily exercise is incorporating physical activity into one’s daily routine. Prioritizing daily exercise supports physical health and mental clarity, essential for personal discipline and effective leadership. Regular exercise enhances energy levels and resilience, benefiting team management and productivity. Regular physical activity contributes to mental and emotional balance, improving focus and reducing stress, which is crucial for effective leadership. Richard Branson’s commitment to daily exercise is well-documented and contributes to his high energy levels and successful leadership style. Leaders who prioritize exercise are more likely to have high energy levels and improved stress management, leading to enhanced team performance and morale.
Research by Penedo, F. J., & Dahn, J. R. (2005) in “Exercise and Well-Being: A Review of Mental and Physical Health Benefits Associated with Physical Activity” in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, shows that regular exercise improves mental health, which enhance leadership effectiveness and overall productivity Sedentary lifestyles, on the other hand, leads to decreased energy levels and increased stress, negatively impacting leadership effectiveness. Prioritizing exercise supports “Organizing Time and Effort,” which ensures leaders maintain physical well-being to manage their schedules effectively.
5. They Organize Their Time and Effort
Organizing time and effort is systematically planning and managing tasks and resources. Organizing time and effort promotes efficient use of resources and enhances personal discipline, crucial for effective leadership and team management. Proper organization of time and effort helps in balancing workload and maintaining focus on important tasks, contributing to overall productivity and clarity. Elon Musk’s meticulous scheduling and time management strategies help him balance multiple high-impact projects, demonstrating effective time and effort organization.
Leaders who effectively organize time and effort prioritize tasks, leading to improved team performance and efficiency. Studies by Nonis, S. A., & Sager, J. K. (2005) in “Time Management: A Review of the Literature” published in the Journal of Management, discusses various time management techniques and impact on productivity, affirming that effective time management leads to improvements in work performance and organizational outcomes. Disorganization, on the other hand, leads to missed deadlines and decreased team effectiveness. Mastering time organization sets the stage for “Surrounding Yourself With Other Successful People,” which ensures leaders build and maintain valuable relationships.
6. They Surround Themselves With Other Successful People
Surrounding oneself with successful people is building relationships with individuals who inspire and motivate. Surrounding oneself with successful people fosters personal growth and leadership development by providing exposure to successful practices and perspectives. Associating with successful individuals enhances motivation and provides valuable insights, helping to maintain focus and drive. Warren Buffett’s network of successful investors and business leaders has played a crucial role in his own success and leadership effectiveness. Leaders who surround themselves with successful people leverage experiences and knowledge, positively influencing the team and improving performance.
Zhang, X., & Bartol, K. M. (2010) study “Linking Empowering Leadership and Employee Creativity: The Influence of Psychological Empowerment and Creative Process Engagement” published in the Academy of Management Journal, found that leaders with extensive social networks are more effective in influencing and engaging their teams, which indirectly supports the idea of increased leadership effectiveness. Isolation and associating with unsuccessful peers, on the contrary, limit personal growth and leadership effectiveness. Building a network of successful individuals supports “Attracting Success by Serving Others,” which enhances the ability to create meaningful, impactful relationships.
7. They Attract Success by Serving Others
Attracting success by serving others is prioritizing helping and supporting others to achieve personal and professional growth. Service-oriented mindset enhances leadership by building trust and fostering collaboration with teams. Serving others strengthens relationships and creates balanced leadership, where success flows naturally from helping others. Mother Teresa’s dedication to service illustrates how focusing on others’ well-being fosters respect, trust, and impactful leadership. Leaders who serve the team create stronger communities, driving trust, collaboration, and performance.
Robert K. Greenleaf introduced the concept of servant leadership, and numerous studies have since explored the impact. The study “Servant Leadership and Organizational Outcomes: An Integrative Review” published in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal (2017) highlights that servant leadership practices are associated with improved team engagement, job satisfaction, and organizational success. Self-centeredness and neglecting others, on the other hand, hinder relationship-building and limit success. Serving others supports “Taking Care of Yourself,” which fosters a holistic approach to leadership and personal well-being.
8. They Take Care of Themselves
Taking care of oneself is maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. Taking care of oneself sustains high performance and enables effective leadership by ensuring leaders are well-equipped to manage and inspire teams. Self-care enhances balance, focus, and resilience, driving leadership effectiveness and overall well-being. Arianna Huffington’s emphasis on self-care highlights how personal health fosters professional success. Leaders prioritizing self-care handle stress better, lead more effectively and positively influence team morale and productivity
Studies by Harvard Business Review highlight in various articles that self-care practices, such as mindfulness and stress management, are linked to improved leadership effectiveness and overall job satisfaction. Neglecting self-care results in burnout, lower performance, and ineffective leadership. Self-care reinforces “Practicing Positivity, Meditation, and Gratitude,” ensuring leaders maintain the mental and emotional health needed for sustained positivity and impactful leadership.
9. They Practice Positivity, Meditation, and Gratitude
Practicing positivity, meditation, and gratitude is cultivating a positive mindset, engaging in mindfulness practices, and expressing appreciation regularly. Practicing positivity, meditation, and gratitude enhances emotional resilience and leadership effectiveness by fostering a positive environment and improving mental clarity, which contributes to emotional balance and mental focus, crucial for effective leadership and managing team dynamics. For example, Tony Robbins incorporates positivity, meditation, and gratitude into his leadership style, driving motivation and success. Leaders embracing the habits create environments of engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.
Lyubomirsky, King, & Diener (2005) published a study titled “The Benefits of Frequent Positive Affect: Does Happiness Lead to Success?” in Psychological Bulletin, which discusses how positive emotions lead to improved performance and success in various domains. The study found that positive emotions are linked to increased creativity, problem-solving, and performance. Negativity, stress, and ungratefulness erode morale and team effectiveness. Positivity, meditation, and gratitude complete a holistic leadership approach, uniting prior habits into a cohesive and effective management style.
How can I develop daily habits for people management?
To develop daily habits for people management you can focus on personal training, self-control, and diligence. Personal training enhances knowledge of effective communication, conflict resolution, and leadership, while self-control manages emotions and makes fair, objective decisions in challenging situations. Diligence ensures you consistently apply the principles in your day-to-day interactions, fostering a productive and collaborative environment.
Personal training, self-control and diligence build trust, improve team dynamics, and increase overall employee satisfaction. Practicing these traits daily boosts your leadership effectiveness, as discussed in “Self-management and personal development” strategies, which emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-discipline as key components of effective leadership. According to a study by Prussia, Anderson, and Manz (1998), self-leadership strategies significantly enhance self-efficacy, which in turn leads to better performance outcomes.
What did Stephen R. Covey say about the Habits of effective people?
Stephen R. Covey said that the habits of effective people are fundamental principles that guide personal and professional success. In Stephen R. Covey’s influential book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Covey introduced seven habits designed to help individuals achieve goals: be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw.
The daily practices empower people to take control of their lives, foster collaboration, and continuously improve. Covey’s habits emphasize the importance of character and long-term thinking in building successful, balanced, and purpose-driven lives.
What did Ashley Herd say about daily habits for effective people management?
Ashley Herd said that daily habits for effective people management include clear communication, empathy, and consistency. As an HR expert, Ashley Herd advocates for regular check-ins, active listening, and transparent feedback to build a strong team foundation.
Herd stresses that understanding individual team members’ needs fosters a supportive environment, and consistency in applying policies strengthens trust and engagement. Ashley Herd’s approach shows that small, intentional daily actions greatly improve people management effectiveness.
Do daily habits of managers help them to be proactive?
Yes, daily habits of managers significantly helps them to be proactive. Establishing productive daily routines allows managers to anticipate challenges, plan effectively, and respond to issues before the issues escalate.
Stephen R. Covey, in his influential book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” underscores the importance of proactive behavior as a cornerstone of successful personal and professional leadership. Covey’s first habit, “Be Proactive,” emphasizes focusing on what you control and taking responsibility for your actions and decisions. Some of the main “Proactive Strategies for People Management that Prevents and Resolves Conflict within Teams” include creating a business plan, establishing clear goals and expectations, and communicating effectively.
A study conducted by Jeong-Sik Kim from Daejin University found that proactive behaviors lead to higher job satisfaction and better performance outcomes. Additionally, research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology revealed that proactive strategies improve team performance by up to 30% and reduce conflict-related issues by 25% (Smith et al., 2020).
Is there a correlation between daily habits and success in management?
Yes, there is a correlation between daily habits and success in management. Daily habits strongly correlate with success in management by enhancing productivity, leadership, and decision-making. Research shows that routines like goal-setting, time management, and self-reflection boost leadership effectiveness. A Harvard Business Review study revealed that 78% of high-performing managers prioritize tasks and maintain structured schedules, reducing stress and improving focus. Habits such as active listening and continuous learning also strengthen team dynamics and adaptability, fostering discipline, leadership presence, and sustained professional growth.
Are there only 7 daily habits for highly effective people?
No, there are more than 7 daily habits for highly effective people. Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People provides a foundational framework, but additional habits like mindfulness, regular exercise, networking, and work-life balance are crucial for success.
The American Psychological Association highlights emotional intelligence and resilience as vital, developed through reflection and stress management. Continuous learning and adaptability further enhance effectiveness in dynamic environments. Effective individuals integrate a broader range of habits tailored to personal and professional growth.
Where to watch daily habits for effective people management videos?
To watch daily habits for effective people management videos explore platforms like LinkedIn, which offers a variety of professional development videos, including videos focused on people management. Other useful outlets include YouTube, where channels like TEDx Talks and leadership training channels regularly post content on effective management habits.
Udemy and Coursera also offer in-depth courses that often include video content on daily management practices. Additionally, websites like Skillshare and even specialized business coaching platforms offer valuable video resources.
What are ineffective habits a manager should avoid?
The ineffective habits a manager should avoid are poor communication, micromanagement, and lack of empathy. Studies from the Journal of Applied Psychology have shown that managers who consistently fail to communicate clearly or effectively contribute to decreased employee engagement and higher turnover rates.
Micromanagement has been linked to stifled creativity and job dissatisfaction, with employees feeling disengaged when lacking autonomy in roles. Additionally, a lack of empathy damages workplace morale and trust, as found in a report by the Center for Creative Leadership, which identified empathy as a key leadership trait that boosts team performance. “Signs of Bad People Management” such as micromanagement, poor listening habits, and conflict avoidance create toxic work environments, lower employee morale, and lead to high turnover rates, as supported by research from LinkedIn Learning (2020). Moreover, manipulation and blame-shifting, highlighted by Dr. John Kotter in “Leading Change” (1996), erode team cohesion, fostering job dissatisfaction and absenteeism.