Paul Keijzer — January 16, 2020 Kick start 2020 by answering this question: “How can I lead with more resolve?” It’s a very broad question to answer. You’ll have to look at it from various angles, viewpoints and perspectives. And while it’s a lengthy question to answer, it’s not an impossible one. It’s also a very apt question for any leader to ask themselves at the start of a new year.
I’m quite sure you’re a great leader who has a committed and dedicated team following them. However, every year it’s you who should ask yourself how to be an even greater. How can you be a better, greater, stronger and more successful version of yourself? In essence, how can you lead with more resolve?
To help you build a better, prosperous future I offer you these resolutions that every leader should make for the New Year:
Resolution 1: Live Your Life True To Yourself
Chasing the dreams, aspirations and goals of others is probably the biggest mistake anyone can make. You think of successful leaders like Bill Gates, Jack Welch or Elon Musk and your first instinct is to emulate them. Their accomplishments were their dreams. Chasing what others have dreamed of is a guaranteed path to being unsuccessful and unhappy. Believe me, you’ll regret it. Living a life in which you’re true to yourself entails setting aside all the “shoulds” you have locked up in your head. These are the expectations others have of us – our parents, teachers and even bosses. Following other people’s dreams may ensure their happiness, however, yours will suffer. Instead of chasing what others want and expect from us, surround yourself with the honesty of “who you want to be”. Steve Jobs once said “You’ve got to love what you’re doing otherwise you’re going to give up”. Love what you do, and love who you are.
Resolution 2: Act Upon Your Values
I’ve often said in my blogs that to truly lead people towards greatness and inspire them to tap into their full potential you need to lead with values that appeal to everyone. At the heart of every leader should be core values that inspires and drives greatness. It’s what’ll enhance your leadership brand and inspire people to follow you. Irrespective of the situation or challenge, your core values are non-negotiable and unchallengeable. They hold steady through all trials and grant you an edge over any other. Be it values of your professional or personal life, your values are what define you. It defines the person you are, be a parent, a son/daughter, a spouse, a colleague, a citizen, or a leader. Guarding your values and remaining true to them is the vital element that’ll guarantee you prosper in life, always!
Resolution 3: Leading With Purpose
Leading with purpose means to have a clear image of the life you want and then pursing it boldly and without any inhibitions. Having a purpose is more than a goal or an end result. It’s much bigger. It’s elaborate and often outrageously gigantic. As a leader, leading with purpose necessitates a clear understanding of why you want to be a leader and why you should be one. Authentic leadership isn’t just making your way to the top. It’s abound creating a better future for the people who lead, your organization, the various stakeholders of your organization and the community you serve and operate in. In essence incorporating your personal purpose into that of your business is what’ll help you achieve it. And along the way you’ll inspire others to have a purpose as well.
Resolution 4: Embrace Change
Technology, consumer behavior and expectations and business models have all rapidly evolved, altered and grown. It’s high time you embrace changes and accept it as the new norm. The pace of change that was experienced 20 years ago is definitely not what it’s like today. In just 2 years much can change. Business models are altered, customer focus is diverted and technology has taken another giant leap. Without this acceptance, you will fall behind and ultimately fail (think Eastman Kodak and Toys’R’Us). Make it a point to keep an open mindset that’s always looking for signs of evolution and how to do better business.
Now that you’ve established a laser focus on leading with more resolve, bring onboard everyone who can help you stick to these resolutions and ensure you’re on track. You simply cannot live up to your resolutions on your own. So share it with those you trust and who’ll enable you to be successful.
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