The business world and in fact all aspects of our lives have suffered many changes in the last years.
What is required from a leader today is very different from what was required ten years ago.
Unfortunately, most leaders are still operating in ‘past mode’ and waiting for the ‘storm’ to calm down, not realizing that times have irreversibly changed and that the first and most important thing they have to do is to change their own behaviors and beliefs right now.
Accepting that the markets and technology are ever changing due to unpredictable variables is the basis, and so you have to develop your capabilities for dealing with change. Your mindset also needs to adapt to the new era and start operating in the ‘Me, Inc’ mode is the beginning of the journey.
This means that the way to catch up with today’s reality is to work on yourself, the only factor you can really master and control.
After working on myself with the help of great masters, I now see it as my mission to support others to thrive in the midst of change.
First we take a reality check to become aware of where you are and gain clarity over where you want to be. Many leaders have been taken in the flood of events and circumstances and have spent the last years in reaction mode instead of action mode. A leader needs to have self-awareness and be able to recognize and master his/her emotions while dealing and responding in the best way to other people’s emotions.
The second step is to work on your values. A leader must be clear about his/her values. Many people fail in leadership positions because the company’s values were not aligned with their own. Those who don’t fail completely are sure to develop stress and frustration with serious impact in all areas of their lives.
The third step is to acknowledge your strengths and build upon them. Leadership starts from within and then it requires communication of the vision, a plan with priorities, and most of all ACTION followed by the evaluation of results and course correction.
Finally we encourage the great habit of challenging your own assumptions and answers, and empowering your team by welcoming the input of each member.
With globalization and economic downturn leaders need to sail in the rough ever changing waters and to keep ahead of the game. Thinking outside the box and challenging yourself and others will give you a competitive edge that will ensure the success of your business.
