No tips, goals or resolutions for you in 2012!
January 19, 2012Dear friends and colleagues
I am somewhat reluctant to start off the new
year reciting 10 tips for the new year, and 25 goals for success in 2012, as I
have received one too many of those lately which frankly leave me cold! Call me
unambitious or overly cynical, but I tend to be one who discourages new year's
resolutions for clients (because they seem to set them up for failure) and a 5
year plan, because predicting the next 5 weeks seems near impossible in these
times! (Ask me I'm a mum!)
That being said, I've been reading Steve
Jobs' biography - shew what a wade! I'm almost through and don't know whether
I've quite made up my mind as to whether he was an innovative genius or a
tantruming tyrant! I guess the truth lies somewhere in between? Robin Sharmer
picks up on his work in his new year tips, namely, "Be 'Apple-Like' in your
obsession with getting the details right." Well I want to do that, so right up
front I would like to get my distribution list right. I've recreated it this
year and my intention is to make monthly contact to share what I have been
reading/doing/researching and hopefully offer something that is useful and
interesting to you. If that's not you, then just let me know by sending me an
'unsubscribe' email.
So let's start 2012 out on the subject of
leadership. And yes I do believe that we are all meant to lead,
whether we have the designated title or not. DDI's (Development
Dimensions International) Global Leadership Forecast reveals an
interesting statistic where global respondents indicate the top five most
critical skills for leaders in the future. Number one is "fostering creativity
and innovation" - a mouthful in itself and difficult to achieve when under
stress. But interestingly, "Coaching and developing others"
came in at number two. This is the area in which I work and about which I am
passionate, and I am a firm believer in doing what you
can internally as well as seeking the input of outside expertise. So how do we
begin to foster the ability to coach and develop others?
My first suggestion is that for the next 30
days, you focus on what Imago therapy terms, 'affirmations'. Go out of your way
to look to encourage and support others, particularly in the work place.
Everyone (even Steve Jobs) needs encouragement and it is scarce in our critical
world. Obviously it needs to be authentic and preferably "in-the-moment positive
feedback", to motivate those around you, but be aware of those opportunities.
And while on the subject, look for those moments with your children, your
partner and ultimately yourself.
Wishing you much success in 2012
Wishing you much success in 2012
Posted by Karen Grant. Posted In : Newsletter
