by Cat Matson
Witnessing the inauguration of President Obama has reminded me about the power of strong leadership.
Strong leadership engages people. It provides brightness of the future at the same time as grounded realism regarding the current reality. Strong leadership inspires people to be better and to feel better about themselves... it's not shallow inspiration along the lines of "wow, what an amazing person he/she is", rather it inspires feelings of fullness, greatness and 'big-ness' in the witness's own minds. It leaves us aspiring to be more than we currently are, individually and collectively.
Strong leadership is enhanced by powerful oratorship.... but it is grounded in integrity, clarity and consistency of message.
It is an exciting day for the planet today... not because a black man is now President of the US... but because today the world formally 'gave power' to a man who has been a powerful leader for quite a while.
People get the leaders they deserve.... and Obama's inauguration today reflects a dramatic shift in the paradigms, thoughts and beliefs of not only the people of the US, but the people of the free world. Metaphysically this is a remarkable shift....
Be a strong leader in your own context. Be a person of integrity, clarity and consistency of message. Engage with the people in your life, inspire them through your being... not through anything in particular that you 'do'. Leadership is required everywhere in life.... not just at the White House, in Parliament House or in our Boardrooms, but in our homes, with our children, with our friends, in our societies.
Wow.... what a difference a leader makes!
Cat
Igniting your business performance
Alito - Success Addicts
by Cat Matson
Tuesday 27th January this year signalls the start of the Chinese New Year. 2009 is the year of the Earth Ox and provides a focus on foundations, getting your house in order and themes of patience, relationships and systems.
In the current climate of panic, fear and resultant consumer caution, giving some attention to the foundations of your business is a sound idea. When the economy bounces back (which it will do, it’s just a matter of when), the businesses that will best positioned to take advantage will be the ones who have rock-solid foundations.... not those built on sand.
So what foundations do you need to look at?
From a marketing perspective, what is your core marketing message? What does your brand stand for? Is your marketing working for you or are you wasting time and money on random, hit-and-miss campaigns?
A solid marketing foundation – an integrated marketing plan based on a consistent message, strong relationships and networks.
In the sales area, do you have a consistent sales process with a high success rate? Can you track your sales leads and follow-up on customers who are still in ‘decision-mode’?
A solid sales foundation – a strong sales process that works supported by a relationship management system.
From an operations perspective, do you regularly experience ‘drama-free’ days, or are you often “putting out fires”?
A solid operations foundation – systems and processes that support the marketing and sales functions while efficiently managing the administrative, financial and compliance requirements of the business (they don’t have to be documented, but they do need to work).
And lastly but most importantly, YOU (the driver of the business) – are you clear on your direction, your focus and targets for the year.... or are you scrambling to keep up?
A solid owner foundation – clear business and personal goals, how you’re going to achieve them, personal development opportunities and personal wellbeing.
Remember the whole year is about strengthening your foundations... it doesn’t all have to happen overnight. Just schedule some time each month where you can ‘structurally’ review the business and strengthen as you go.
Cat
Igniting your business performance
Alito - Business Mentors
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