Leadership requires a diverse range of skills and qualities. One such attribute that is critical yet often overlooked is impulse control. Influential leaders display composure under pressure and engage in critical thinking while providing appropriate responses in various situations.
The ability to manage impulses allows leaders to think clearly, consider the long-term consequences of their actions, and make sound decisions that benefit the organization. In contrast, leaders who lack impulse control may react hastily, making decisions that are not well thought out and that can have detrimental effects on their team and the organization as a whole.
The lack of impulse control can lead to serious problems in leadership and organizational success. Impulsive behaviours can result in conflicts with colleagues, subordinates, and stakeholders, undermining the leader’s ability to foster a collaborative and positive work environment. These conflicts can erode trust and respect, which are essential for effective leadership. Additionally, impulsive reactions can damage the leader’s credibility and influence, making it difficult to inspire and motivate their team. Without the ability to manage impulses, leaders may struggle to maintain a clear vision and provide the inspiration needed for long-term success.
Impulse control refers to an individual's ability to resist or delay an immediate urge, temptation, or inclination in order to achieve a long-term goal or comply with societal norms. People with impulse control problems struggle to inhibit behaviours that can be harmful or inappropriate, often acting on desires without considering the consequences. This can manifest in various problematic behaviours, some of which include:
Since acquiring Twitter, Elon Musk has made several impulsive decisions that have attracted widespread criticism and concern. His abrupt changes to Twitter’s policies and structure, public firings, and controversial tweets have raised questions about the impacts of impulsive leadership on a company’s stability and culture. Such impulsive decisions can significantly hinder the achievement of organizational goals by disrupting direction, alignment, and commitment within the team.
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, frequently displayed impulsive behaviour with significant political repercussions. His spontaneous decisions and statements often resulted in confusion and inconsistency in government policies, particularly noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While renowned for his extraordinary military achievements and strategic insight, Alexander the Great also exhibited signs of poor impulse control, particularly later in his career. His decision-making became increasingly erratic, and his temper led to rash actions, including the murder of one of his most trusted generals, Cleitus, in a drunken argument. Alexander’s inability to control his impulses may have contributed to the ultimate unravelling of his vast empire after his death. Had Alexander developed better impulse control, he could have been a better leader by being more adaptable, ethical, and able to build trust and credibility among his followers.
The fifth Roman Emperor, Nero, is infamous for his extreme lack of impulse control, manifested in erratic and extravagant behaviour. His reign included numerous acts of cruelty, lavish personal spending that strained the empire’s finances, and impulsive decisions that led to political instability. One of the most notorious legends about Nero is that he “fiddled while Rome burned,” a story that, while apocryphal, symbolizes his reputation for the empire under his control and his focus on personal pleasure.
Leaders can improve their impulse control through various techniques:
Improving impulse control is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders who manage their emotions well can prevent angry outbursts that disrupt team harmony and negatively impact performance. By maintaining control over their impulses, leaders can foster a positive group dynamic, enhancing overall productivity and morale. Effective leadership hinges on maintaining composure under pressure, making thoughtful decisions, and fostering an environment where team members feel valued and respected. This approach not only benefits individual leaders but also strengthens the entire organization.
Lack of impulse control can be attributed to several factors, including genetic factors, highlighting the complexity of addressing these issues in leadership. In many cases, lack of impulse control can be related to brain health and function. Dr. Daniel Amen, a prominent psychiatrist and brain health expert, has conducted extensive research on the brain's role in impulse control. His work highlights several key causes:
By understanding these underlying causes, individuals can seek targeted interventions, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, medications, exercise and lifestyle changes, to improve impulse control and overall brain health.
As current leaders who struggle with this trait demonstrate, the consequences of poor impulse control can be significant. By recognizing the importance of enhancing this skill, leaders can substantially improve their effectiveness and contribute positively to their organizations.