Leadership in 2023: 5 Things That Stay Stable in Our Ever-Changing Environment
A new year offers so much more than just an opportunity for change. It also allows us to evaluate the people, places and processes that help us stay stable just the way they are. We’re talking about the foundational pieces that continue to be our own “true north” when there’s so much around us that is changing or unpredictable. Today we offer five core leadership principles that are stable in our ever-changing world, and can provide support and balance headed into a new year.
1.) Slow Down to Speed Up
When he wrote the classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey taught us to identify and place the big rocks first. Big rocks are the important people, places, events and/or ideas in your life. As you look at your calendar for 2023, prioritize those big rocks. Make sure that everything from family vacations, to important trade shows, to time for daily or weekly personal renewal is blocked on your calendar NOW. Before the craziness begins, other people start inserting their time on your calendar. The idea is that establishing these “big rocks” in your life first will increase your productivity by being clear on your priorities and scheduling these first.
Intentional prioritization is foundational to the principle of slowing down to speed up. Why? Because it takes time and intention to determine who and what the big rocks are. Then, it takes even more energy to determine how to properly prioritize. Saying NO to what takes control of your time and energy is courageous. And it takes time to thoughtfully consider what stays, and what goes. Going slow to go fast seems counterintuitive at first glance. However, if you do these “slow” steps correctly, they will lead you to a much more effective “speed up” later.
The new year is a great time for recalibration. Seize the opportunity to identify and re-prioritize your rocks. You will find that this will benefit you and the people you lead. Your ability to prioritize and say no makes it easier for others to do so.
2.) Go Inside Before Going Outside
We’re big proponents of self-development. We know that self-awareness is a non-negotiable skill for effective leaders. Our second core principle is another great example of something that won’t change despite the changing year or current thinking on leadership trends. It is to start with yourself. Put energy into developing, growing, and challenging yourself before you put energy into someone else.
Simply put, the more self-awareness you have, the better leader you will be. Consider the following questions:
What are your foundational beliefs or core values? How do these show up for you?
What are some limiting beliefs that you could let go of as we head into a new year? Who would you be without these constraints?
How have your dreams impacted your decision-making process? Do you still allow yourself to dream? To create? To ideate?
How have your fears impacted your decision-making process? What’s been the result?
What do you believe about failure? And how do you handle the “failure” of others?
Our personal beliefs drive our thoughts, and our thoughts drive our actions. This is not something to place on autopilot! Carve out some quality time with a trusted leadership coach or mentor and determine your true values. The new year offers an excellent time to invest in growing your emotional intelligence or EQ, another trait of the most effective leaders. For more on EQ, read our dedicated blog on why emotional intelligence matters for leaders.
3.) Resilience Matters
As we head into 2023, there are still several uncertainties. That means we must stay alert and flexible. The more willing we are to deal with change, the better things will be for us, and for our teams. Enter: resilience. Resilience is the art of bouncing back from failure, falls and fumbles - even the ones that are merely perceived. Forbes emphasized the value of resilience, stating (highlighting ours):
“When we experience disaster, trauma, or distressing psychological events in our personal or professional lives, we usually react with grief and a range of negative emotions. Which is, of course, a natural reaction to having our hopes dashed or our goals thwarted. However, such experiences are not only an inevitable part of life but virtually required for growth, development, and the ability to not only survive in adversity but thrive.”
Resilience is also about managing yourself. Knowing your triggers or what lights you up versus what drains you will always provide value. This knowledge allows you to produce more consistent results, find deeper fulfillment, and better manage your physiological responses in any situation. Resilience and EQ are linked, as well…so check out the article referenced above.
4.) Stay Connected
Another tool in your resilience toolkit: your network. Were you aware that family, friend and coworker interactions help you build and strengthen resilience? It’s true. In this HBR article about the secrets to building resilience, growing connections is one of the top tools. This includes connections with your team, your peers, your boss, and your external network. You have to be intentional about your network. Focus on finding people who sharpen your thinking, challenge you, support you and think differently than you do. Consider the people in your network who:
Are great at helping you find purpose in the day-to-day
Know how to laugh at themselves (and can help you do the same)
Excel at advocating for themself or others.
We challenge you to make a conscious and consistent effort to build your network in 2023. Set a goal for who you’ll connect with, or what types of people / profiles are missing in your network, and make a plan to close the gaps. And don't forget to stay connected to us. Commit to joining a leadership development program such as one of our virtual Mastermind groups this year. We have Masterminds starting as early as February 3rd!
5.) Never Stop Learning
Learning, unfortunately, can often get downplayed as an asset. And in an environment of economic uncertainty, learning and development are often the first items to be cut. The reality of our world, however, is that everything on our planet is either growing or dying. Learning is growth; growth for you and growth for your team.
“As companies build the organization of the future, continuous learning is critical for business success.” - ‘Human Capital Trends, Deloitte
Don’t let learning be limited to the traditional methods associated with educational institutions; make it a part of everything you do and everywhere you go. We often talk about the learnings we get from conversations with others, or learning by being mindful as we walk the trail and notice the many lessons in nature. Learning opportunities are everywhere if we’re paying attention. Consider:
What can you learn from what didn’t go so well last year?
What can you learn from talking to someone whose point of view or life experience is completely different than yours?
What can you learn from your wise self when you take the time to get quiet and reflect?
Is there something that you missed out on in 2022 that you wish you would’ve made the time for? How about one of our Women’s Immersion Retreats in Italy?
We’ve opened the doors for registration for October 2023 - join us! Reach out today to ask us about the best way for you to begin learning and growing with us today.
Experience the Remarkable Support of your own Leadership Coach
Kathleen and Lisa offer one on one executive coaching, helping leaders identify and leverage strengths, and understand and minimize blind spots. We use the Hogan Leadership assessment as a development tool, and coach to the needs of the individual and the organization. We’ll help you define an actionable coaching plan, and progress is monitored throughout the coaching engagement. Get in touch today to learn about the different ways you can achieve the following:
Identify new business and personal growth opportunities
Gain insight into your skills and values and the impact on your leadership
Identify and remove blind spots
Build a stronger executive presence and influencing capability
Define a clear action plan to drive sustainable change