Leader Heal Thyself

Leadership it seems is getting a bad press ! Many would argue that it was the leaders in the financial sector that drove us into this recession. Others that Alan Sugars “ The Apprentice “ does nothing to give you confidence in our future leadership

It is clear that Leaders in a whole range of industry sectors and companies of all shapes and sizes are having to deal with very unusual times. In such a time people look to their leaders for confidence, guidance and clarity.
To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling

“ If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you ..... then you’ll be a leader !

For leaders to help steer their people and companies through these times it is essential that leaders first of all look after themselves. But how ?

1) Have a clear IDENTITY. Be sure you know who you are and what you stand for. A leader , parent , school governor , football coach. Ask yourself what would your passport say on the page headed “ who is xxxxxxx and what do they believe in ? How do want to be physically , emotionally, mentally and spiritually ?

2) Generate a clear VISION for SUCCESS in all the areas ( and beliefs ) that are important to you. What would it look like , feel like , sound like ? How would you know when you had got there ? Share this vision with those important to you.

3) Raise the ENERGY levels by aligning your thoughts, beliefs and emotions to your vision. All successful leaders ( and teams ) operate with high energy levels. Imagine how great it would be if everyone shared your dream and were passionate about working towards it. If you can imagine it you can make it happen. Help your team to find ways to address the six human needs of certainty, growth, significance, variety, connection and contribution. Ensure they can overcome any “ survivor syndrome “

4) Take ACTION to make the things you want happen. Set out and agree clear specific outcomes leading to actions now. Check the results you get and if it worked do more. If it didn’t work try something else ! Work to create small successes and a virtuous circle of ambition , actions , results.

To paraphrase ( again ) from Michael Knight of Knight Rider fame “ one person can make a difference .. when they believe they can “