Leaders have specific characteristics that define them as figures that others look up to and as people. Effective leaders typically have a routine with key habits and processes practiced daily. While most people have heard about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, many leaders don't follow that model. Truly great leaders develop their own set of habits that dictate how their days go and how they can reach their fullest potential.

What are some of the practices that define today's great leaders? Fifteen members of Forbes Coaches Council explain the patterns of behavior that they think good leaders should adopt, and how those actions can make them into more successful individuals in the long term.

Forbes Coaches Council members offer insight on the customs of good leaders.

1. Take Time To Be

As a society, we are focused on the next goal and the never-ending to-do list. We do not spend enough time just being. This means complete silence at times to let your thoughts flow through you, write thoughts down and listen to what your subconscious is trying to tell you. Some of the best ideas I have come up with have not been when I am doing, but when I am just being. - Galit Ventura-Rozen, Empowering U

2. Start Each Day Offline

Its amazing how many clients jump on their phone or tablet first thing in the morning to check the markets, see what emails arrived overnight or simply browse their Twitter feed. Consider starting each day free of online activities. You might meditate, pray, exercise, read or spend time with your spouse or kids instead. The possibilities for starting the day healthier are endlessjust not online. - John Hittler, Evoking Genius

3. Take Time To Connect With Yourself

As leaders, the stuff we do drives us to show up determined, focused and decisive. Leaders push down uncertainties and emotions and we do everything we can to be free of or ignore gut feelings. Spend time connecting with your heart, gut and head each day. The people you are leading are fully human and they deserve to have you show up in the same way. - Brian Gorman, TransformingLives.Coach

4. Establish A Morning Routine

Begin each day with a morning routine that sets you up for success. Your morning routine might include meditation, exercise or a gratitude practice. By taking care of yourself first, you will be able to contribute to others, navigate difficult situations effectively and increase your ability to lead and listen. It's best if you finish your routine before you turn on your phone and computer. - Gina Lavery, Gina Lavery Inc.

5. Track Your Physiology

We tend to overlook our physiology in the world of leadership. We talk about having emotional intelligence, providing motivation and increasing the likes, but a lot of our ability to do these effectively lies in our physiology. I use tools and techniques with my clients so they can scientifically track their physiology and make actual beneficial improvements they can see to have more impact as a leader. - Cody Dakota Wooten, The Leadership Guide

6. Walk Around

Most leaders get set into a routine where they talk and meet with the same people every day. Great leaders break that habit by walking around and meeting new peopleespecially employeeswhen they're not expected to. Informally dropping in on a team or part of the organization you seldom interact with will make you a more authentic, grounded and approachable leader. - Eric Beaudan, Odgers Berndtson

7. Set Your Intention For The Day

Before checking the various mediacalendar, voicemail, emailthat will distract you and demand your time or attention, set your intention for the day. Activate the mindset that will drive your actions to create the leadership impact and influence you want to have rather than getting bogged down merely reacting to external forces. Lead your day before it leads you. - Mia Eng, Cognascent Inc.

8. Implement Reading Time

I have had the pleasure to work with many entrepreneurs over my career. The single factor that all the successful ones had in common was their reading habits. It goes something along the lines of there being a time block set aside to catch up on readings. Short of a disaster that has to be dealt with, that time is nonnegotiable and will stay off limits for any other activity. - Kamyar Shah, World Consulting Group

9. Embrace Relentless Learning

Effective leaders understand the value of continuous learning and also realize that it can happen anywhere and at any time. Commit yourself to learning something new each day, whether it be from your barista, frontline employees, board or grandchildren. Intentionally adopting a learning mindset creates the space for openness and curiosity and allows you to show up as a relentless learner. - Palena Neale, Ph.D, unabridged

10. Practice Daily Meditation

Meditation is like a Swiss army knife that has more unpredictably positive outcomes than any other good habit, but take the time to learn the right way to do it. It's not about not thinking as many people believe; it's about realizing you're not your thoughts. The result is more energy, less friction due to judgment, clearer decision making because you don't need to be right and much more. - Josef Shapiro, Clear and Open

11. Create A Meaningful Habit

Im from the village that says you should create your own habit. Someone elses habits may not necessarily be a fit for you. Create a habit that has meaning to you and your employees and acknowledges their contributions. I pass out a chocolate square at least two afternoons a week to each employee every week. It keeps me conscious of who Im leading and how much I appreciate their contributions. - Thomas Larkin, Communico, Westport CT

12. Prioritize The Habit Of Gratitude

Committing to a daily gratitude journal practice where you write a list of three or more things you're grateful for each day can be transformative for leaders. It's simple, quick (mine takes about 90 seconds) and orients you toward positivity every single day. When you journal about positive stuff at night, it helps you sleep better. Journaling in the morning can help you get off to a great start! - Kate Dixon, Dixon Consulting

13. Practice The Art Of Visualization

One natural ability to develop is the art of visualization, which can be extraordinarily powerful on top of a regular habit of meditation. Our capacity to use our imagination through purposeful visualization can be a differentiator for leaders, and layering visualization on top of meditation adds a multiplying effect. As a starter, try visualizing various scenarios from a relaxed state. - James Glasnapp, James Glasnapp Coaching

14. Ask How Questions

Leaders make tons of decisions daily, so it's crucial that they have good problem-solving skills. What doesn't help is asking too many "why" questions that cause you to dwell on the problem. For example, "Why did this happen to me? Ask more "how" questions instead, like "How can I fix this issue? You can go from powerless to powerful and successful. - Lizette Ojeda, Dr. Lizette LLC

15. Lead With Energy

Integrating a daily physical fitness routine prepares leaders for the mental and intellectual challenges they face. Regular exercise is one form of self-care needed for a leader's well-being as it allows them to sustain the emotional energy required to lead an organization. By modeling self-care, leaders encourage similar behaviors in their employees, which in turn impacts their well-being. - Jonathan Silk, Bridge 3 LLC

Link:
15 Daily Habits Of Great Leaders - Forbes