As we reflect on the great successes and opportunities for improvement discovered in 2014, let us commit to growth, learning and continued pursuits towards excellence in 2015. Consider the following advice. It will improve your leadership, your relationships and your personal well-being. Happy New Year!!

1. Make time to think. Thinking must be intentional and a priority. It should not be something we do when we have the time. We must make (take) the time to think!! In his book, How Successful People Think (2009), John C. Maxwell interviews Chick-fil-A, President, Dan Cathy. Cathy, a highly successful multi-millionaire, shared that he had a ‘thinking schedule’.  He scheduled half a day every two weeks and one full day every month and 2 – 3 full days every year specifically for the purpose of thinking. Having these personal operational pauses allows us to maintain focus, clarity and resolve about key and important things vital to winning – in business, as professionals, personally, spiritually and within all relationships.
2. Leader, know (and align) thyself!! Before a leader takes on the task of aligning the organization, building, managing and leading teams and corporations, he or she must first align themselves. As leaders, our strengths are our team’s strengths, and our weaknesses are our team’s weaknesses. Leaders shape the vision, the values, the objectives and culture of the organization. Yet, many have never taken the time to sit down and write out their own personal vision, mission, goals, values and non-negotiable beliefs. Getting clear in this area provides clarity in all dealings (Ramsey, 2011). Clarity breeds consistency, which establishes dependability and trust, resulting in more productive, happier, resilient organizations and teams.
3. Embrace and accept that you (and your leadership) are unique. In the Power of You (2013), Chris Michaels, makes a keen and profound observation when he writes, “There’s never going to be another you!! God made just one. Nobody talks like you. Nobody thinks as you do….. You’re an original piece f work, created by a Master Artist.”

I can only be me. No one else on this planet will ever have my voice, my thoughts, my perspectives or prerogatives. These things make me – perfectly unique. You can only be you. Give the gift of you to your team, to your loved ones, to the world  – EVERYDAY!!

References:

Maxwell, J. C. (2009). How Successful People Think: Change your thinking, change your life. New York: Center Street.

Michaels, C. (2013). The Power of You: How to live your authentic, exciting, joy-filled life now! New York: Penguin Group.

Ramsey, D. (2011). EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches. New York: Howard Books.