LEADERS LEAD!

One of the most over-looked traits of a business leader is
that they…lead.
As I work with business owners and managers, one of the key
things I observe is the need for the leader to stay ahead of
the pack. There are a million things to do as the boss. It
is easy to get bogged down in day-to-day operations and
forget to learn, to plan, and 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 takes time off every three months, for thinking.
I understand he maintains a retreat on Hood Canal and often
goes there alone to review and renew. Apparently, the
practice has worked well for him.
Benjamin Franklin treasured the time on his trips across the
Atlantic because they gave him perspective. C.S. Lewis often
took walks of up to 20 miles, in order to have 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.
Plan the future of your business. Design the growth you want
to see. Choose the course and develop a strategy for the
future. And then, be sure your personal development program
equips you to be the leader your company will need in the
future.
The most important single contribution you make to your
business is leadership! Know where you’re going! Your staff
and your customers depend on you to lead the way. Do not get
so bogged down in working that you forget your most
important job.