As I work with business owners and managers, one of the things I observe is the need for the leader to stay ahead of the pack. There are a zillion things to do as the boss. It is easy to get bogged down in day-to-day operations and we forget to maintain a vision for the business. And yet your employees, your customers and the future of your business depend on your ability to set the standards and lead the way.
Bill Gates is reported to take a week off for thinking every three months. I understand he maintains a retreat on Hood Canal and often goes there to review and renew. Apparently, the practice has worked well for him.
Benjamin Franklin treasured the time on his trips across the Atlantic because it gave him perspective. C.S. Lewis often took walks of up to 20 miles in the country for time to think. Hundreds of successful business leaders have reported that their most productive time is the hour they spend planning.
When I coach business leaders, I encourage them to divide their planning and visioning time into two components: Business Design and Personal Growth. Both are essential.
Take time to lead. Design the future you want for your business, and in your personal life. Choose the course, develop a strategy. And then, be sure your personal development program equips you to be the leader your company will need down the road.
No comments:
Post a Comment