High-performance is a habit | The Leadership Edge with Calum Arthur

In this episode of The Leadership Edge series, hosted by Martin Preston and featuring Callum Arthur, the two experts explore the critical topic of Cultivating High-Performance Habits in leadership

Here’s a summary of the key areas Callum emphasizes in adaptive leadership:

Reflective Leadership

True leadership goes beyond titles; it requires self-reflection on personal experiences with effective leaders. Key questions include: What behaviors made them stand out? How did they make you feel? Effective leaders adapt their style to meet the unique needs of their team.

Sustaining High Performance

Great leaders balance pushing themselves and caring for their team, emphasizing self-awareness, vulnerability, and the ability to “rest well.” Leaders who master recovery and exertion create high-performance, sustainable environments.

Tailored Leadership

Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Effective leaders engage their team by asking open questions about their preferences, fostering trust and engagement by adapting their style to individual needs.

Resilience and Self-Awareness

Resilience under pressure is rooted in self-awareness, strategic self-care, and emotional regulation. Leaders avoid comparison traps by focusing on their own strengths and routines, creating space to recharge.

Emotional Awareness and Regulation

Leaders’ emotions influence team morale. By managing their own anxiety and maintaining composure, leaders foster stability. Techniques like controlled breathing, self-talk, and understanding personal rhythms are essential for staying effective.

Delegation and Empowerment

Delegation requires trust and clarity. Effective leaders provide clear vision, empower team members, and foster a supportive environment. Balancing oversight with trust enables team growth while maintaining accountability.

Strategic Perspective

Leaders balance being on the “dance floor” (operational tasks) with the “balcony” (strategic oversight). This dual perspective ensures engagement in day-to-day operations while keeping sight of long-term goals.

Coaching and Mentoring

Leaders benefit from a coaching approach rather than an autocratic style. Through mentoring, they support team growth, encourage skill development, and foster a culture of learning.

Transition from Technical to Leadership

Leaders moving from technical roles must embrace new skills, such as self-awareness and team development, recognizing that different qualities are needed to lead effectively.

Self-Care and Reflection

Effective leadership requires regular self-care, including rest and reflection on personal strengths and areas for improvement. Prioritizing well-being strengthens leaders’ ability to support and inspire their teams.

These areas form the foundation for adaptive leadership, equipping leaders to navigate complex and dynamic environments while empowering their teams.

You’ll learn from

Martin Preston

Host

CALUM ARTHUR

Chartered Performance Psychologist

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