Conviction: The Defining Trait of Great Leaders

A note to young leaders.

When choosing future leaders, look for one trait above all others – a deep sense of moral conviction.

Conviction supplies the courage to be different – to make tough, unpopular calls – a quality vital to the DNA of any great leader.

And when it comes to moral conviction: the child is father of the man.

Take Wayne Bennett, the legendary NRL supercoach. He grew up in working-class Allora, Queensland. His father, a violent alcoholic, walked out on the family when Wayne was just eleven.

After another night of drinking and gambling – Wayne stood in the kitchen with his mother and made a vow: “Mum, I promise I’ll never be like Dad. I’ll never drink or gamble. Ever. No matter what.”

In the heartland of rugby league – a world of hard men and heavy drinkers – it took great courage to make that promise, and even greater courage to keep it. But keep it he did, never touching a drop of alcohol in his playing days, or the decades since.

That vow set him apart, and gave him the authority to demand discipline from his players.

What’s your kitchen vow?

What promise have you made to yourself – or still need to make – about the kind of person you will be?