Opportunities are abound but they are only opportunities if you can commit to them
We all want to get the most out of the year and at the end of 2017 it will be great to look back at the year’s growth and achievements and feel proud about the part we played in making it all happen.
Whatever opportunities we discover along our journey this year, we will all be expecting the same results – namely growth and improvement. To be better and have more – a stronger business, more clients, a bigger paycheck, better personal relationships, better health…
When it comes to everyday business these ‘opportunities’ seldom look like the stuff of dreams – out of the box, ready to go and handed to us on a silver platter. Most opportunities appear barely formed, a glimmer of future potential, and demand our vision, commitment and effort before they ultimately produce results.
Like a mentor needs to teach their pupil well and lead by example, opportunities need an environment of good business practices in which to flourish.
Cast you Goals in stone and your plans in sand
A goal without a plan is just a wish
Since no plan survives contact with reality, we need to be ready to adjust to new information and keep learning. Be prepared to make some mistakes in reaching for a goal. Learn as a team to move on from a mistake and resolve to grow from the experience.
Connect with your team
Nothing happens in a vacuum and no man is an island
A connected, focused and cohesive team is a thing of beauty to see in action. Team Building is an effective tool to forge stronger bonds, trust and improve overall communication and understanding in a team. A strong team will be more likely to realise their goals in a shorter period of time than a weaker team. Instead of using Team Building later in the year as a corrective tool, use Team Building as a tool early in the year to get the team focussed and on track. And then keep the momentum going by planning further Team Building sessions during the year.
Communication is the key
Without communication there is no understanding
One of the most important aspects of good communication is, to be honest. One of the hardest communication skills is the courage to say what you think at the right time and to the right people when it matters most. Remember listening without formulating your response is the core of effective communication.
Honesty wins the day
If it’s not right don’t do it, if it’s not true don’t say it
We are all accountable for our own actions and it is important to recognise our responsibility in our actions. If you did something wrong or regrettable take ownership of the action and take steps to correct the situation. Things swept under the mat find their way out, usually explosively, and lies get caught out. Honesty can be difficult in the short-term but you will certainly sleep better in the long run.
You need to be the change you want to see” don’t wait for someone else to get the ball rolling, make a personal effort to get the year off to a great start.
