- Have faith
Many people practice an organized religion, but not all do. In the post-Covid era, the migration toward organized faith communities has seen some increase. There seems to be an attraction to higher power.
What I’m talking about is more personal. It’s about a sense of optimism. faith that whatever obstacles you face, things will turn out okay. Faith is foundational for achievement. Faith in yourself, in your personal eco-system, in those in whom you invest trust and confidence.
But faith can only be manifested if you populate it effort.
- Value everyone
In your work, in your community… in every facet of your life, every person you encounter has value. Some may be more limited by circumstances, but the potential for success in everyone. Perspectives, evaluations, reactions to circumstances vary, but every person is important and has worth and should be treated as such. Valuing others means treating them with respect and importance. This can include keeping promises, taking responsibility for actions, and being present and attentive when listening to others.
As an organization leader, you will always be most effective if you bring everyone under the tent, seek input from all regardless of their role or tenure.
- Care first, but be objective
It’s time for our first cliché: “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care!” Find what you love and develop your connection to it… then find others who are attracted to the same things and share your affinity. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions in your interactions.
Caring with objectivity means showing concern and compassion towards someone while simultaneously maintaining a neutral and unbiased perspective, focusing on facts and observable details rather than personal feelings or assumptions; essentially, providing support without letting your own emotions cloud your judgment.
Keep your own values, the big picture and ultimate objectives in mind.
- Don’t deal in surprises
You know your objectives, your values and your style of leadership and communication. Have the courage of your convictions to carefully conceive and develop and implement plans and follow through to completion. Your success is always enhanced when you clearly and confidently communicate your plans, ultimate vision and rationale.
Cliché number 2: “Say what you mean and mean what you say!” Don’t be afraid to fully communicate and do it early and often. If changes are required, explain them fully and as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute. That includes your management and evaluations of team members. No one should ever feel that they weren’t fully informed.
- Surround yourself with people who are on the same page
Nobody agrees on everything, but team success and the satisfaction of mutual achievement are a lot easier if you work with folks who see things the same way you do. Even if you don’t share a 24-7 life view with someone, it’s important that you share the same understanding or perspective on a particular project, topic or situation. Give and take and creative tension can and should be a constructive process, but the most positive outcomes occur when the team all has the same overriding vision.
- It’s most important to be the hardest working person in the room
The next cliché: never ask anyone to do something you wouldn’t do, or more appropriately, haven’t done yourself. Show the way with effort and commitment. Being the smartest or most experienced person in the room is of little importance if you aren’t willing to do whatever it takes. Nobody expects you to know everything. Part of expending effort is to admit that you need guidance.
- Setbacks are opportunities
Nobody bats 1,000… Major league hitters earn millions by being successful one third of the time. Don’t stew, get too down and stew over setbacks along the way. These temporary roadblocks allow us to build our resilience and become stronger and grow.
As you work through a setback, try to focus on creative strategies for addressing it rather than simply trying to “fix” it as quickly as possible—this can help you improve your problem-solving skills and become more successful in the long run.
- Look to the horizon with peripheral vision
If you are a sailor, you know that the best way to stay clearheaded and stable is to look to the horizon. Driving instructors teach you to scan ahead even as you remain aware of what’s immediately around you.
When leading the planning and implementation of any effort, you need to employ that same process of looking ahead as far as you can to ensure you keep the ultimate goal in sight. Don’t forget to employ your peripheral vision to look out for, assess and deal with any potential problems infringing from the side. Keep you eyes constantly scanning and your head on a swivel.
- Be the person you are, but be the best version of you
You’re already an active motivated person who wants to improve, or you wouldn’t be here. But how can you become the best version of you? It’s most important that you first and always remember who and begin to think about who YOU are. No matter how you grow and develop, you will always be you. Embrace that and begin to think about how the best can be YOU.
You become your best self when you achieve the ideal state of personal development where you are living authentically, maximizing your potential, and actively working towards your goals while embracing your values, strengths, and a growth mindset. Here are some words to remember: self-awareness; continuous learning; positive mindset; meaningful goals; resilience; authenticity; empathy and kindness; well-being.
And live with no regrets. You will not succeed every time, but do not get down on yourself when you fail. You can’t appreciate success with having failed at the first. Stay with it, learn from it, and the next time you’ll get it right.
10. Family always comes first
Your parents, siblings, spouse, children, extended family, love them, cherish them, put them first. Be sure to be there for every family event, large and small. The little day-to-day moments will stay with you just as long the big deals.
Always consider how your plans and decisions will affect your family, the ones you love most and proceed accordingly. After all, when you ask yourself what truly builds lasting happiness. Sure, it’s great to move through a career, building wealth and reaching job objectives, but if you can’t share it and get the satisfaction from seeing your efforts benefit the ones you really love, you’ll never truly reach that state of nirvana that we all strive for.
Pete Booker, General Manager, Delaware Public Media
