From all of the business surveys that have been conducted this year it is very clear that management in businesses large and small are being challenged like never before in living memory. Dealing with the future consequences that are unfolding due largely to the Covid-19 pandemic businesses and leadership are being asked to rise up to meet the many demands.
Whilst technology can provide many innovative solutions to business issues, we cannot ignore the need to make sure the basics of leadership are in place. I was asked recently by a good friend in the USA to answer ten questions based upon my experiences in management and below are my answers for you to consider.
1. How to Solve Problems - First establish if it is an issue or a big problem that could be potentially life threatening to the business. Once you work out if it is an issue or a problem then involve others who can add value in creating a solution. Many minds have a better chance than one to come up quickly with a solution.
2. How to Overcome Fear - Firstly learn to know the different levels of fear. From worry through to terror there are different levels of fear and each needs to be treated differently. Always remember some degree of fear is valuable as it shows awareness of the potential dangers.
3. How to Be More Productive - Start each day with an outline plan of what has to be done (WHTBD). Don’t waste time on minutiae and micromanaging.
4. How to Break a Bad Habit - First understand what drives the bad habit then secondly change your behaviours to stop the habit & thirdly reward yourself for the change.
5. How to Set and Achieve Goals - To set goals you need to understand your business & to achieve them you need drive, passion & determination to execute & deliver.
6. How to Feel Better About Yourself - First thing is to wake up each morning & put your legs on the floor and say I am glad to be alive and I’m going to do something positive today.
7. How to Be a Better Communicator - First recognise you have two ears & one mouth & secondly learn to listen to the voice of discontent. People who care will share their concerns; very valuable.
8. How to Think More Clearly - Learn to think with an uncluttered mind. Always remember the saying “can’t see the wood for the trees”.Don’t get too involved in the details of something and fail to recognize what is important about the thing as a whole.
9. How to Foster Passion - Be a great motivator & at the same time be highly motivated yourself. Work at something you truly love doing. Remember passion and determination beats talent.
10. How to Make Decisions - This is a key leadership skill. Most decisions need to be taken quickly & if you can make sure the solution is easily understood to ensure effective execution. Leaders who dither & pontificate create uncertainty which in turn causes followers to question the ability of the leader to lead.
I hope you agree and this is helpful to you.