How to create an unstoppable one-two leadership punch

Scott Cochrane Oct. 23, 2020

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Passion is certainly required to build a team, to implement change, and to drive towards a better future. But it will only get you out of the starting blocks.

Effective leaders know that passion is only one part of a leader's one-two punch.

For long-lasting impact to occur, a heavy dose of discipline must come along right after passion.

Discipline is the ability to systematically and methodically push through obstacles. It's what enables a leader to channel all that passion into a sustainable plan that delivers results.

Together, passion and discipline create a formidable leadership combination.

Here are 10 realities leaders know about the one-two punch of passion and discipline:

1. Passion sees the vision. Discipline translates it into action.
2. Passion attracts a team. Discipline builds the team
3. Passion makes good decisions. Discipline implements the decisions.
4. Passion establishes values. Discipline lives the values out.
5. Passion envisions a healthy culture. Discipline makes it happen.
6. Passion describes the goal. Discipline forms the strategy to reach the goal.
7. Passion creates priorities. Discipline executes the priorities.
8. Passion generates ideas. Discipline turns them into reality.
9. Passion challenges people to grow. Discipline helps them do it.
10. Passion drives innovation. Discipline drives implementation.

The point, of course, is not that one is more important than the other.

Rather, passion and discipline are dependent on each other.

But the reality is, passion gets more press. Passion is flashier. But without the discipline to translate all that passion into action, you're left with nothing more than hype.

So by all means, be sure your leadership contains plenty of passion.

Just be sure it's followed up by a heavy dose of discipline.

That's the one-two punch you'll need for long-lasting, high-impact results.

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Scott Cochrane serves on the executive team for the Willow Creek Association, as Vice President, International Ministries. He was born and raised in Canada, where he became connected to the Willow Creek Association, first as a marketing director and later as the ministry’s Chief Operating Officer. Following a five-year stint as Executive Pastor of a large church, Scott returned to Willow Creek Canada in 2009 as Executive Director, and in 2012 relocated to Illinois to take up his current post with the Willow Creek Association. Learn More »

• Want an “A” team? Start with your “B” players (by Christian Muntean)
• Why people don't respond when you talk to them (by Carey Nieuwhof)
• How to combine passion and discipline for leadership impact (by Scott Cochrane)
• Selfish leadership (by Richard Blackaby)

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