Leaders need to develop their willpower

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the importance of willpower in acts of leadership and, if significant, how a leader should develop his or her willpower in order to take a greater leadership role.

The objectives are achieved by a conceptually grounded discussion of the topic, while the arguments are also built upon both a recent survey of leadership acts and on related theoretical material.

Willpower governs acts of leadership. Willpower is a capability that has been found to be genetic, but which also is possible to develop by raised awareness, disciplined practice, and extending one's comfort zones by exposing oneself to challenges. Willpower is a mental capability, and if leaders develop their ability to focus their time and energy management, and become more aware of their feelings, they may improve their willpower. Additionally, their energy balance matters: taking care of basics including paying attention to nutrition and to resting, as well as taking up some form of physical/mental practice may have a positive impact on a leader's willpower.

Research on willpower and its impact on leadership are scarce, and more studies are obviously needed. Since this discussion is conceptual, added empirical research is required.

Leadership must be exercised in organisations, and willpower is an important vehicle in this respect. The implication for practicing leaders is that they need to develop their willpower. This is a capability that most people can develop by raised awareness and disciplined practice, as well as by exposing themselves to challenging tasks aimed at extending their comfort zones.

Some argue that willpower is a quality whose exercise suggests positive outcomes in many areas of life. In leadership research, however, willpower is a capacity that is less studied. Conclusions in the paper support the argument that willpower is important for leadership, and that this is a capacity leaders should pay more attention to and develop. The paper is of value to practicing leaders who want to further extend their leadership capabilities.