It’s January, and it’s time to think about how you want your working life to be this year. Here are my top seven tips to becoming a better leader in 2014
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1 Stop comparing your business to other businesses
In the Desiderata, Max Ehrmann tells us “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.” When I started Employ Me Now! in November 2011, a learned colleague told me “you’ll really struggle, you’re not from Dunedin, and there are already too many HR consultants down here”. Sometimes it’s best not to listen to sage advice, focus on what you are doing, how you can do it even better and why you and your organisation are unique.
2 Do the gratitude thing
Keeping a gratitude diary is invaluable. My ‘Gratitude Diary’ is on my desktop, and throughout 2013 I made an effort to write down three things that I was grateful for every day. The only criterion for the list was that each entry had to be different from the day before. Reviewing my list, not only made me smile, but reminded me of what I needed to do if I was stressed or out of balance.
If writing things down is not your thing, get into the habit of thinking of three things you are grateful for while doing part of your daily routine. Maybe while you are brushing your teeth, driving to work, or driving home. In fact, this can be an ideal process for getting focused, or “unplugging” from work – depending on what part of your day you are facing.
3 Play the I noticed game
Learning how to give and receive compliments is one of my favourite leadership exercises. Saying “I noticed….” is exactly the same as saying “You matter, what you do matters and I appreciate what you are doing.” Get in the habit of giving positive feedback, and having an “I noticed” moment at least once a day, you will be amazed at the results.
Also, next time someone tells you that you did a good job, accept the compliment gracefully. Try “I really appreciate your feedback, let me know if there is anything else I can do”, or “I’m glad you enjoyed/liked it… thanks for the feedback”, or just say “thanks” . That way people will be inclined to tell you even more positive things in the future.
4 Create Your Happy Tracks List
Everyone seems to have a mobile music device, and if you feel like some metaphysical being has pooped on your daily star sign, it’s time to turn on your happy tracks. I’m not sure if I should admit to my top five songs; however, they are all positive and securely anchored to good times in my life and great people.
- Tina Turner – The Best Not sure why I love this one, I think I’ll blame it on my parents.
- Slice of heaven – Dave Dobbin End of season surf club parties.
- Kid Rock – Born Free Passing out parade – Leading Hands Command Course RNZVR.
- Pat Benatar – All Fired Up First bombing run of 1999 – 2000 USA ski patrol season.
- John Farnham – You’re the Voice Going with team Tranz Rail to present at the Rail Safety Select Committee
Your challenge is to work out what your top five songs are, why they are important to you and have them ready to go anytime you need some inspiration, or time out.
5 Get back to the books
Pick one thing that you want to learn how to do and book the course. It doesn’t matter if it is business related; just choose something that you know nothing about.
Empathy is a key leadership skill and going back to being a beginner keeps you humble. We all need to be reminded of what it is like to be facing your first day now and then.
6. Build a new network beyond your workplace
Turning up in Dunedin and knowing no-one was not fun. In the last three years, I’ve been a part of Dunedin Toastmasters, Otago Southland Employers Association, Dunedin Club, Women in Business, BNI, CDANZ, HRINZ and the Otago Chamber of Commerce.
Through these organisations, I have heard incredible speakers, met mentors, made business connections and developed friendships. Spending time with business owners and other managers kept me grounded and gave me some perspective on life in general, which is a very healthy thing.
With today’s ever shifting job market, having a broad range of connections is really a form of income protection. The question is not when, but which organisation are you going to join?
7. Do the goal setting thing
Just the mention of goal setting can bring on blank stares, eye rolling and a suitable amount of groaning. Here are my 3 versions of goal setting – pick your level and have a go.
Basic
- Find a Post It note and pen
- Write down 5 things you want to do this year
- Pin it to either your bathroom mirror, computer or vehicle dashboard
Intermediate
Set up a spreadsheet
Write your SMART goals:
- Specific Think how, what, and where?
- Measurable Define what the achievement will look like
- Attainable Something that is possible
- Relevant Understand the ‘why’ you want it
- Time bound Set dates for completion
Print the spreadsheet and stick it on your bathroom mirror, fridge or office wall
Advanced
Set up a spreadsheet
Write your SMARTER goals:
- Specific Think how, what, and where?
- Measurable Define what the achievement will look like
- Attainable Something that is possible
- Relevant Understand the ‘why’ you want it
- Time bound Set dates for milestones and final completion
- Evaluate Each month, evaluate and add new goals
- Reward Have your own reward system
Print the spreadsheet and stick it on your bathroom mirror, fridge or office wall
Review and print out a new spreadsheet at the end of each month
Have a safe, prosperous and above all happy start to the year and if you have any additional ideas on how to be a better leader in 2014, send your ideas on what works, great happy tracks and your goals to: sarah@employmenow.co.nz.