Scott McNealy, cofounder and former CEO of Sun Microsystems, once commented that those in highly visible leadership roles must live beyond themselves.  In other words, leaders must demonstrate a clear willingness to set aside individual desires, motives, and preferences, consistently acting in a manner of transparent character and integrity – not just at work, not just in front of employees, but every moment of every day, in public and in private.

These are intense expectations, but employees are more likely to be disciplined in their work when they see discipline modeled by their leaders.  Are you willing to live “beyond yourself?”

“Men acquire a particular quality by constantly acting in a particular way.”  (Aristotle)

Click here to have “In 100 Words” delivered to your inbox twice each quarter!