I just saw this blog and I was struck by its relevance --

http://blog.growingleaders.com/leadership/how-does-a-leader-build-a-work-ethic-in-a-recent-graduate/

Interestingly, in practically every executive search I conduct, the hiring authority(ies) always express as one of their required traits/attributes for their leaders are those who have excellent work ethics. By this, I have always felt that the meaning of this had to do with long work hours, "going the extra mile" in getting a job done, diligence, conscientiousness, thoroughness, and practicing some amount of self-denial.

Yet we read so much about trying to maintain a proper work-life balance. I am told by my adult children that their generation has chosen not to observe a work ethic like my generation has done. Perhaps that is true but i still have to raise the question - "To what extent is a strong work ethic a key variable in leadership success?"

I will plan to discuss work ethic in more detail in future blogs.

(Sidebar note - I was very impressed by Dr. Tim Elmore's site - I encourage you to take a look.)