When businesses struggle, business leaders are quick to blame the economy or some outside circumstance. In 2001, there was a multi-billion dollar company whose leadership blamed the events of September 11 and the ensuing economy for their demise. The reality was that other companies in the same industry were actually thriving in the aftermath.
Political and economic climates, by their very nature, will always be volatile. At times, this favors business; at other times, it presents challenges. But no matter what is on the news, the good news is that your business does not have to be entirely dependent on the market. You don’t have to wait for the economy to boost your business – there are steps you can take to create your own momentum.
What can and should you do to lead your business in any economy?
Adopting and executing these three habits on a daily basis would be a good start:
1. Have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
This is a critical first step toward changing where you are in business and life. If you have a bad attitude, you can change it in one second…if you want to. You have the power to change your “state” that quickly. All you have to do is get in a positive state of mind as soon as you get up in the morning. Choose to be positive, and see how quickly things change for you. Run out the door with passion, positive beliefs, and persistence.
Can you do that? Sure you can, but it has to become a habit. And you can’t let others get in the way.
A positive attitude is especially important for a leader. You set the tone for your entire team. If you want passion, persistence, and a can-do attitude from your team, they must see it in you first. If you do not see that in your team, keep in mind that they are reflecting what you are projecting. And you have the power to change it.
2. Complete HIGH-VALUE ACTIVITIES.
As a leader, where are you spending your time? Is it on high-value activities that generate revenue for the company and for you? Or are you, like many, focusing on things that make you feel like you accomplished a lot during the day, but generate no revenue or real benefit to the company?
Many spend in excess of 50% of their time doing these low-value activities.
Simply put, it is “clutter.”
The leaders who have benefited from coaching with me know that we start working on that clutter the first day we do business together. Over time, we chip away at it until they are doing nothing but high-value activities.
The focus on these high-value activities adds tangible value to the company’s bottom line and lessens the demands on the leader as a natural and welcome side effect.
3. Develop OBJECTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY.
Who do you have in your business or personal life that objectively holds you accountable?
Let me answer that for you: likely no one.
If someone has “skin in your game,” there is no way they can objectively give you the follow-up and feedback you need.
When I assist clients in creating goals, building strategies, and developing action plans, we always have a large accountability piece. If it’s a one-on-one coaching situation, I hold them accountable. In some of my workshops, I actually assign accountability partners.
Accountability is key. And objective accountability actually opens doors.
Whether in a good economy or challenging times, engaging these three habits can help you lead your organization to success.
Dave Ferguson is “The Leaders’ Coach”, an internationally recognized executive leadership coach, speaker, facilitator, and author. For help in creating success habits in your life and leadership, or across your team, “ASK COACH DAVE” at 704-907-0171 or at Dave@AskCoachDave.com.
