These days, any discussion on the topic of habits needs to include technology. More than any other factor, technology has a tremendous impact on how humans engage in habitual behaviors. For leaders, the relationship with technology is a crucial one. Good habits around technology can help them inspire their teams in exciting ways. Bad habits can lead to complete organizational dysfunction.

Humans are creatures of habit. In fact, about 45% of reported activities, according to studies, are based not on conscious decision-making processes, but by ingrained habits. In other words, about half of our actions are not even based on conscious decisions; they are based on habits that have become second nature. Think about this for a second – all the control you think you have over your life and leadership is largely an illusion. Much of the time, you are not thinking or deciding; you are falling back on behaviors based on habits, and those behaviors may or may not be conducive to what you are attempting to accomplish as a leader. That is why it is so critical to develop solid, grounded and effective leadership habits.

If you understand that your organization requires a change in its culture, but you are worried that you don’t have what it takes to make the necessary transformation happen, I get it. But you do not have to do it alone. You have supporters and champions within your organization, and there are surely people in your extended network who can support your efforts.

Transforming the culture of your organization may be one of the biggest challenges you will face as a leader, but it could also be the key to your legacy. It requires a genuine buy-in from every member of your team, and it takes a ton of patience from leaders like you.

Organizational culture is one of the most often overlooked aspects of success in today’s competitive business landscape. Organizations that focus on aligning culture with their respective values, objectives and missions are the ones that consistently perform in ways that exceed expectations. Organizations that fail to consider the importance of culture tend to get left behind. Here are the signs to look for.

Mindfulness has transformed my life and brought me to a place where I am operating more authentically than ever before. I have also seen the ways mindfulness can turn competent, effective leaders into real rock stars within their respective organizations and industries. I know it can improve the way you live and lead, too, and I want to help you make it happen!

Yes, mindfulness is a practice that can definitely improve your professional fortunes as a leader. But it is much bigger and more powerful than that. When you see mindfulness as little more than just a “brain hack” to give you a leadership edge, you’re not looking at it properly — and you are unlikely to experience any of its benefits. For leaders who want to get the most out of mindfulness, I think it’s important to look at how it impacts every aspect of life — not just what happens in the office between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Today I want to talk about mindfulness in the real world. You see, mindfulness is not an abstract concept or a lofty ideal to try to live up to; it is something real, and successful leaders have integrated into their daily lives and their respective organizations. The results of their efforts have strengthened their leadership abilities in significant ways.