Foiled Again!

This week, like last, I’ve been quietly observing the new leadership programmes at Aviva in Perth.

But there’s another, less formal, daily challenge I face alongside my fellow facilitators, and it comes wrapped in foil!

Every morning, the catering team lays out a display of Tunnock’s finest: tea cakes, snowballs, caramel logs, and my personal favourite – caramel wafers.

It’s an iconic Scottish institution after all, a proud family-run business.

And here’s the problem.

Because while the visiting delegates (currently mostly from England) dig in, (its hospitality after all and a wee taste of Scotland), I find myself staring at the table, having a little internal leadership moment.

It’s a daily test of self-discipline.

It sounds silly, right? It’s just a biscuit!

But self-discipline is one of the most underrated traits of great leadership for anyone who wants to lead the way.

It’s about the choices we make when no one’s watching, especially the small ones. And those small choices can all add up.

I must admit to having failed once or twice last week.

If I can’t say no to a caramel wafer at the next break, how will I hold a boundary under pressure?

How will I stay committed to the long-term over the easy win?

How will I model the kind of leadership I expect from others?

The truth is simply this, self-discipline isn’t about denying joy, rather It’s about directing it.

Choosing long-term growth over short-term gratification.

Building habits that make future decisions easier.

And in leadership, those habits ripple out, that can shape culture, model behaviours and build trust.

So, this week, I’ve started to leave left the Tunnock’s on the table.

Not because I don’t love them (I really do), but because I love what I’m building more, and that starts with leading myself.

I think I’ll keep a wee eye on my fellow facilitators too!

Or am I the only one facing this regular test?

Besides… they’ll still be there next week. Probably. Maybe.

What small habit could you build this week that reflects the kind of leader you want to be?