Good Habits of 5 Successful Leaders

March 13, 2020

Many leaders can cite good habits that have helped them stay grounded, healthy and effective while achieving success in business and in life. As a successful insurance executive, you probably have your own.

Carrier Management asked a select number of readers in leadership positions for their best habits. Here are the habits five of the respondents agreed to share. A few also shared bad habits, but we decided most of us probably don’t need any new ideas for those.

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Writing, Remembering, Cold Water Dip

Good Habit #1

I’m an early, early bird. Journaling, meditation or yoga take priority in the mornings, and then structuring my day so that I prioritize my must-dos and set a challenging outcome for meetings. I especially love to spend time at the weekend reflecting on the working week and the learnings I have taken—in a written format.

Good Habit #2

Boxing and swimming in cold water (below 17 degrees). I’m married to a Swede, so I have to deal with water temperatures different to that of Austria’s lakes, and I just LOVE it!

Good Habit #3

Before I fall asleep, I try to remind myself of something positive and fulfilling that happened during the day. There is always something I am thankful for, even if it was only a quick but uplifting conversation with the barista in the café where I buy my morning coffee.

— Sofie Quidenus-Wahlforss, CEO and Founder, omni:us

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Self-Care, Curious, Present Focus

Good Habit #1

Commit to self-care. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, how can you take care of others? Keep your commitment to yourself in developing and feeding your physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and relational self.

Good Habit #2

Stay curious. The world around us is constantly changing. Embrace it and learn the various components driving it. Ask good questions.

Good Habit #3

Be present. Multitasking—while we think it’s a necessity—really is a distraction. Discipline yourself to be “in the moment” and focus on the present, whether you are in a business meeting or presentation or with family.

— Kitty Ambers, CIC, CPIA, CISR, Chief Growth Officer, AVYST

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Early to Rise, Employee Engagement, Dinner at Home

Good Habit #1

Getting up early. Getting up at 5 a.m. or earlier is a challenge, so you are starting the day with a mental win.

Good Habit #2

Every time I am in the office, I try to engage with every employee at least for a minute or two. I try to do this first thing in the morning, and most of the time it is not work related.

Good Habit #3

Getting home for dinner as much as possible. Family time re-centers you and gives you purpose.

— Eddie Harper, President and CEO, Statewide Underwriting Services

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Outside Reading, Inside Lunch, Moving On

Good Habit #1

Read magazine articles outside your trade as often as possible, specifically those related to science, tech and the economy. I am a daily reader, and it has helped me stay fresh and understand the environment my business is conducted in.

Good Habit #2

Eating in restaurants will kill you. If you do not have a business or networking lunch, bring a healthy lunch to work or hit the gym.

Good Habit #3

Sometimes there is nowhere to go, the fit isn’t right, or you are just not happy in your role. Do not be afraid of moving on. Everyone involved will be better off.

— Scott Mackey, SVP/Chief Underwriting Officer, Columbia Insurance Group

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A Good Right Hook

Good Habit

Maintaining some sort of exercise routine is so important, for everyone, for so many reasons. And it is all about finding the right thing for you—the thing you love to do. I discovered boxing at age 55, and I love it! Boxing reinforces the fundamental importance of always striving to improve, always keep moving forward and never give up.

— Glenn Pomeroy, Chief Executive Officer, California Earthquake Authority