How’s Your Leadership Fitness?
Many of those who’ve joined a gym to support their New Year resolution already have second thoughts. They’re not committed to their commitment because the pain it takes to achieve their goal is not worth the effort. Of course, we all know physical fitness is definitely worth the effort, but not to them. Not right now.
What about the people who said they wanted to become better leaders? Better than the ones they currently work for or endure? The ones who want to be a better boss to their employees? They will likely give up, too, because effective leadership requires constant work. Not only does it involve a substantial amount of effort to ramp up, but it also takes energy to sustain the efforts they’ve made.
Where are you? Are you ready to start, or are you ready to quit?
Good Leadership fitness begins with the basics. Review the list below and see how you’re doing.
- You have a Great Goal
- You have a Purpose
- You know your Values
- You have a Leadership Philosophy or Principles
- You have a Master Plan
- You know your required Resource Levels
- You have Success Metrics
- You have a system for Daily Focus
- You Anticipate and Manage Change
- You are Creating a Great Team
How many did you check off in agreement? Even if you went ten for ten, that is no guarantee that you are a great leader; it means you’ve got the basics covered. Good for you.
Did you agree with less than ten? It’s time to create an action plan around any missing items.
Start with these leadership essentials before investing in something more complex; otherwise, you risk wasting time and money. If you don’t have a leadership path in mind for yourself or your organization this year, how will you get where you want to go?
By wishing really, really hard?
By coasting or drifting toward success?
Probably not.
Hopefully not.
Regardless of your role, success requires the wise management of resources. If you are running the whole show (or want to), you will have to step up your leadership — or step aside for someone else’s.
Want help? Learn about Karl Bimshas Consulting.
Boston-bred and California-chilled Karl Bimshas is a leadership consultant, author, and podcast host who collaborates with underestimated professionals who want to become confident, competent leaders in their field without becoming a jerk. Improve the working relationships with your colleagues and direct reports to create high-performing teams with a series of leadership workbooks available at LeadershipWorkbooks.com
