Note from Art: I’m taking a few days off over the holidays to focus on family and recharge my writing batteries. I plan on completing the second round edits of my next book, aptly titled, Leadership Caffeine, and I’m preparing a few other blogging surprises for the new year. However, if you happen to be hungry for stimulating content, here’s a timely selection.
While it is natural for us to focus on resolutions as we approach the new year, the best leaders understand that improved performance requires an unrelenting, year-long focus on personal and professional development.
Instead of joining the masses in pursuit of a ridiculous list of soon-to-be forgotten resolutions (along with those fitness goals), consider this approach to continuous leadership improvement:
Leadership Caffeine: A Leader’s Resolutions are Calendar Blind
Although the New Years article was written in 2009 it is still relevant and reading this article made me think of Abe Lincoln’s productivity philosophy, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
The difference in outcomes achieved through taking time to ask, “what’s working, what’s not, what can I do better”: makes a difference in working efficiently to reduce frustration, or extending the time it takes to complete goals, and the risk of damaging our work and enjoyment of helping others succeed.
Taking time to sharpen the mind through asking questions, observing, interacting with other effective leaders, and continuing our education throughout the year ensures energy is directed toward appropriate goals.
I Thank you Art, for bringing the focus back to the real meaning of approaching a new year… to increase effectiveness.
Cindy, thanks for your thoughtful comment. I also appreciate your reminder of Lincoln’s quote. How true! Happy New Year…yours in improved effectiveness! -Art