One should earn and retain the privilege that is entrusted to them to oversee finances of an organization. Respect the budget and be mindful of what you need to accomplish and how to strategically invest in your upcoming opportunities and innovation. Don’t be wasteful.
Whether it is health, career or the overall business growth and success, the answer is always the same, we need to change. We need to make certain changes and sustain them for a period of time in order to realize the benefits and potential opportunities. While we should respect and learn from history we shouldn’t live there. Furthermore, we need to be mindful and aware of what matters in the year we actually live in as well as what will the next 3-5 years bring.
Be yourself. Always and in every exchange. Even if something doesn’t work out long-term it is always better (especially in retrospect) to have spoken the truth and said what you believe and think then to have faked to be something or someone you’re not.
First and foremost, I am grateful for the health, happiness, understanding and support of my family and friends. I am also very grateful for my colleagues who are thoughtful, understanding and supportive of our collaborative initiatives and goals. No matter what we need to do, we need to do it together. Thank you!
It is a true pleasure when you speak with people who are aware of your challenges and competing priorities, who have deep understanding of your industry and who do not try to pressure you or your team into further engagements via additional calls, meetings or demos.
Those true professionals demonstrate the value of their product or a service, share pricing information and make introductions to relevant references. Then, they provide time and space for us internally to discuss, evaluate and reach out to them at our pace.
While the list could certainly be longer, here are 5 things that I believe should be improved (or fixed) with respect to the majority of meetings we all attend each day.
1. Should this be a meeting?
2. Do we have the right people in the room?
3. Are we making decisions and taking actions?
4. Was agenda shared ahead of the meeting?
5. Should this meeting take a full hour?
False promises lead to nowhere other than to demise of your own credibility and respect across an organization. Follow the process and confirm whether something can or should be accomplished before you make any promises or commitments. Do not commit to people just to see them smile.
As a leader, you are not in a “people pleasing” business and you need to be thoughtful as to which endeavors your purse, how and when. Also, clearly communicate how changes in course, direction and priorities will impact other areas that you lead and manage.
Don’t sell yourself short and know your value. Be flexible in your negotiations process and allow for an acceptable range to be considered whether it is a new job, consulting engagement or a speaking opportunity. However, don’t be desperate and set yourself back too far and always be aware of what you are worth and what you would be contributing to that event, project or an organization.
