7 Habits of High-Impact Leaders

Hello Leaders,

Let me ask you something—when you think of a great leader, what comes to mind? Someone bold and decisive? Someone who inspires people with their vision? Or maybe someone who stays calm when everything is falling apart?

Over the years—whether in the high-pressure control room of the Indian Navy or navigating boardroom dynamics as a corporate leader—I’ve realized one thing: leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about the habits we build every day.

So, what are the habits that truly make a difference? Here are seven that I’ve seen time and again in the most impactful leaders.

1. They Have a Crystal-Clear Purpose

Back when I was an Air Traffic Control officer in the Navy, there was never a day when I could afford to be uncertain. Every aircraft movement, every instruction, every decision had a purpose—it was a matter of safety, precision, and trust.

Later, when I transitioned into the corporate world, I saw what happens when leaders lack purpose. They drift. They react instead of leading. But the ones who know their "why"? They move with conviction, and people naturally follow.

So, ask yourself: Why do you do what you do? Find your answer. It’ll change the way you lead.

2. They Master Their Emotions

I still remember a moment in my Navy days when I had to guide a pilot through an emergency landing. My heartbeat was racing, but I couldn’t afford to let panic take over. I had to stay calm, trust my training, and give precise instructions. That was the only way to ensure a safe landing.

Emotional intelligence isn’t about suppressing your emotions—it’s about recognizing them, understanding their impact, and responding with intention. In the corporate world, I’ve seen leaders who react impulsively under pressure and others who maintain composure even in the toughest situations. The difference? One erodes trust, while the other inspires confidence and respect.

If you’re curious about mastering your emotions for better leadership, you’ll love my book, EMOTIONS DECODED—a practical guide to understanding and managing emotions effectively. Check it out!

3. They Make Decisions and Own Them

Some of the toughest decisions I’ve made weren’t in a conference room but in a high-pressure operations center, where time was measured in seconds, not hours. There was no "Let’s schedule a meeting"—you had to decide, act, and own the outcome.

Yet, in leadership, I see many struggle with indecision. The truth is, no decision is perfect—but hesitation can cost you more than making the wrong choice. If you’re wrong, adjust. But don’t get stuck waiting for certainty.

4. They Never Stop Learning

When I moved from the Navy to the corporate world, I was in for a shock. What worked in a structured, disciplined environment didn’t always apply in a fast-moving business world. I had to unlearn, relearn, and adapt—quickly.

Great leaders never assume they’ve "arrived." They read, listen, experiment, and seek out new perspectives. They understand that growth isn’t an event; it’s a habit.

So, what’s the last thing you learned that changed the way you lead? If it’s been a while, maybe it’s time to pick up that book, take that course, or have that deep conversation.

5. They Lift Others Up

One of my proudest moments as a leader wasn’t about what I achieved—it was seeing someone I mentored step up and lead with confidence.

In both the Navy and corporate life, I’ve learned that leaders don’t hoard power; they share it. They mentor, they delegate, and they create spaces for others to shine. The best way to measure your success? Look at how many people you’ve helped grow.

Who can you lift up today? Maybe a junior team member, a peer, or even someone who just needs a little encouragement. Your leadership isn’t just about you—it’s about the ripple effect you create.

6. They Bounce Back Stronger

I’ve had my fair share of failures—times when things didn’t go as planned, when setbacks felt personal, when I questioned if I was even on the right path. Sound familiar?

But here’s what I’ve realized: resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about rising every single time. The strongest leaders don’t dwell on failures; they extract lessons, adjust their approach, and move forward with even more clarity.

So, if you’re facing a challenge right now, take a deep breath. Ask yourself, "What is this teaching me?" That shift in mindset changes everything.

7. They Communicate with Clarity and Purpose

Ever sat in a meeting where someone spoke for 10 minutes but said absolutely nothing? We’ve all been there.

Great leaders don’t just talk—they connect. Whether it was giving precise commands to pilots or addressing a room full of executives, I learned that clarity is power. The best communicators simplify the complex, inspire action, and listen just as much as they speak.

Want to improve your leadership presence? Start by listening deeply, speaking with intention, and making every word count.

Your Leadership Challenge

Which of these habits do you already practice? Which one do you want to work on? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,

Lt Cdr Sadhanaa Giri

Founder LEADerSHIP DecK