It’s that time of year again, when we resolve with best intentions to do things differently in the new year. As I look forward and think about our growing organization, I thought I’d share some of my leadership resolutions with you. Read, adopt, adapt or recycle—it’s up to you.
- Manage by wandering around. As an introvert, I will hole up in my office if left to my own devices. In the coming year, I will try to get out of my office and wander down the hall (a short walk) and check in with folks.
- Seek input from others. It’s easy to get caught up in my own thoughts as I consider new strategies for growth. I resolve to ask others for input and ideas, engaging in the healthy dissension and debate necessary to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Listen more and talk less. Enough said.
- Encourage others. As a leader, it is easy to fall into the trap of being critical or giving advice (solicited or otherwise) when sometimes all someone needs is a little encouragement. I will be more mindful of those opportunities to simply reinforce the direction someone is headed (I’ll do this with my kids, too!).
- Build my external network. In a service-based business, it is easy to focus attention on those you know, but the reality is that the next engagement might come from someone you haven’t yet met. By reaching out to new people, I will keep things fresh and be exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking.
- Communicate proactively about changes in the business. Keeping others informed is critical to the success of transformation and growth.
- Take more risks. Get out of my comfort zone and try new things while being open to opportunities that present themselves along the way.
- Ask others for help. Recognize that requesting help is not a sign of weakness or ignorance; it is a hallmark of strength and confidence.
I could add many more to the list but will stop here.
What do you resolve to do as a leader in 2016?
