A leader who frequently changes their ideas and vision is hard to follow. Words like inconsistent, scattered, indecisive, and chaotic come to mind when talking about these leaders. One week, the focus is on a specific project, and the next week, it’s something entirely different. Teams can quickly become frustrated, lose focus, and feel annoyed by these leaders. As a result, they may drive away talented individuals due to their lack of determination and commitment.
Now on the flipside to this, is the fact that since we’re operating in the times of rapid and exponential changes leaders, companies and talent need to remain fluid, agile and constantly evolving. Hence, strategies and visions need to constantly be revisited, revised and realigned as well.
So how does an exponential leader stand firm on their resolve when things are changing so rapidly and avoid losing interest of their followers? Here are 4 tips on how to lead with resolve.
1. Be True To Yourself
Pursuing the dreams, goals, and aspirations of others is likely the biggest mistake anyone can make. When you think of successful leaders like Bill Gates, Jack Welch, or Elon Musk, your first instinct might be to copy them. Their achievements were based on their own dreams. Following what others have dreamed of is a sure way to end up unsuccessful and unhappy. Trust me, you’ll regret it. Living a life true to yourself means letting go of all the “shoulds” in your mind. These are the expectations from others – parents, teachers, and even bosses. Chasing other people’s dreams might bring them happiness, but it will hurt yours. Instead of pursuing what others want from you, focus on the honesty of “who you want to be.” Steve Jobs once said, “You’ve got to love what you’re doing, otherwise you’re going to give up.” Love what you do, and love who you are.
2. Pursue Your Values
I’ve often said in my blogs that to truly lead people towards greatness and inspire them to tap into their full potential you need to lead with values that appeal to everyone. At the heart of every leader should be core values that inspires and drives greatness. It’s what’ll enhance your leadership brand and inspire people to follow you. Irrespective of the situation or challenge, your core values are non-negotiable and unchallengeable. They hold steady through all trials and grant you an edge over any other. Be it values of your professional or personal life, your values are what define you. It defines the person you are, be a parent, a son/daughter, a spouse, a colleague, a citizen, or a leader. Guarding your values and remaining true to them is the vital element that’ll guarantee you prosper in life, always!
3. Lead With Purpose
Leading with purpose means to have a clear image of the life you want and then pursuing it boldly and without any inhibitions. Having a purpose is more than a goal or an end result. It’s much bigger. It’s elaborate and often outrageously gigantic. As a leader, leading with purpose necessitates a clear understanding of why you want to be a leader and why you should be one. Authentic leadership isn’t just making your way to the top. It’s abound creating a better future for the people who lead, your organization, the various stakeholders of your organization and the community you serve and operate in. In essence incorporating your personal purpose into that of your business is what’ll help you achieve it. And along the way you’ll inspire others to have a purpose as well.
4. Accept Change
Technology, consumer behavior and expectations and business models have all rapidly evolved, altered and grown. It’s high time you embrace changes and accept it as the new norm. The pace of change that was experienced 20 years ago is definitely not what it’s like today. In just 2 years much can change. Business models are altered, customer focus is diverted and technology has taken another giant leap. Without this acceptance, you will fall behind and ultimately fail (think Eastman Kodak and Toys’R’Us). Make it a point to keep an open mindset that’s always looking for signs of evolution and how to do better business.
By incorporating these practices into your leadership style you’ll stay focused on your ambition to lead with resolve, align your talent to your purpose and goals and ensure your company is on track to success. Change is good, however, being indecisive and chaotic is catastrophic. Lead with resolve and you’ll prove to everyone your leadership has solid thinking behind it.