Taking the Long View and Enjoying the Present

Every day we have an opportunity to hear if today is a good day or if it's a bad day. Has the stock market reach "the bottom" or can it go lower? Is it a green day or a red day? The most important message we can hear each and every day is that looking into the future we know that stability is going to come, as will prosperity. It is important not to get too caught up in "watch" what is happening today, for this constant attention can bring paralysis and a reactive manner where we might wait for something else to happen. If anything is going to change, and yes change will happen, it is vital that each of us play an active role in guiding our future, achieve your vision by having a clear idea of what it will be and take daily action to take each step to realize a better future. Don't forget to enjoy today, because it is a present.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

So, Now What? Focusing Yourself and Your Work in Today’s Economy

Is it time to get off the rollercoaster and build your resilience, while exploring opportunity possibilities? In our ever connected world we all need to remember it is our choice as to what messages we listen to and how we respond. Not a day goes by when there isn’t news about more layoffs, impending bankruptcies, limited credit, declining consumer confidence and what seems like a never ending conflict over what will make up the best stimulus package.

The time is now to plug into the messages you want to hear and take this opportunity to explore possibilities and practice an abundance mindset. Yes, there are difficulties ahead, and roadblocks to overcome. As the late Randy Pauch, The Last Lecture, stated, “Walls are not there to keep us out; they’re there to keep other people out! What walls are standing in your way, keeping others out, while you pursue your vision of your future? If you look closely, you will see a path or perhaps several paths that will move you past the wall that is currently in your way.

Taking a bigger view, the United States and the countries of the world have faced economic hardships in the past, and each time there has been a period of abundance and prosperity after those difficult periods. There is no evidence to suggest that the US or the world is shutting down, so what are your paths going to be to move beyond this economic wall? A beginning is to get in touch with your core beliefs and those activities that you enjoy. How can those inner passions and values serve you and the community around you? What small activities do you need to achieve today, tomorrow, the next day and the day after that, and so on that will propel you forward to move beyond the wall. It is your choice, to decide what you will do and the messages that you will respond to.

Start by turning off the evening news, read only the stories you choose to read in the newspapers, magazines and online. Focus on what you already have and your vision for your future. Set measurable goals with a timetable for their achievement, and then take action to accomplish your dream for the future you want. The time is now to prepare for a future of prosperity.

Beginning Before You Start

As the United States of America starts a new administration we are reminded of the importance of preparing for leadership before you actually start your new position. The Obama presidency began shortly after Election Day with a very active transition that included appointments, briefings and the beginning of the new administration’s agenda, all of which were made public during organized press conference and weekly messages via the media, which included the world-wide web. The importance of a well-thought out leadership transition and entry plan can not be overstated. In fact, a majority – over 60% – of new leaders struggle with their new position, often times ending before the new leader can establish their legacy.

In today’s uncertain world it has become necessary for leaders to be actively engaged in managing their transition to a new position, whether within their current or entering a new organization. Expectations are high and there are many depending on a leader who will move organizations and their people to the next level of productivity and success. As a new leader, it is important to be in touch with those you will lead and this connection should begin with informational interviews before day 1; the leader should ask various stakeholders about their take on the organization, the issues the new leader will face and the types of work that will need to be done. During these fact-finding and listening sessions, the leader will also need to begin communicating important values along with demonstrating empathy and understanding. They must also maintain boundaries and respect that they are in fact not yet the leader of the organization. An example of this comes from higher education and the manner in which John Maeda began his tenure as President of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) as President-Elect. From the time of his selection in the winter until his official start in June 2008, Maeda began blogging with the RISD community, sharing his vision of expanding the school’s reach beyond its own boundaries into the greater community. His blog, entitled, OUR RISD, shared his exploration and insights of the school as he discovered the wonders of preparing to serve as the school’s next President. He continually honored his predecessor while expanding on his desire to take RISD even further into the greater world of art, design and even social change.

The days of the hierarchical leader are diminishing, with the instant access of the media, blogs and social networks. The time has come for each of us to contribute to the transformation of leadership by connecting each day beyond our offices; we need to engage a wider audience in our work and the collective vision of a better world through the persistence and work of high performing organizations and individuals. As you prepare for your next assignment, be ready to begin your work before you start by reaching out to others for advice, their involvement and most importantly their support.

A New Path for Leading

The message we’ve been hearing over the last few months: “We are experiencing a time in history like no other,” and the changes are economic, political, social, and of course global. The reality of interconnectedness and the importance of how decisions today will most certainly influence future ones are evident now more than ever. In these times of change and uncertainty, we must remind ourselves that while many resources may be limited, human capacity may in fact be limitless. As we move forward, it is vital that as we face realities of our global circumstances, we remain hopeful that through cooperation, clear communication and dedication to our mission, purpose and core values our organizations will persevere.

These are transformational times, with a new generation assuming leadership in government as well as in business and educational organizations. It is time for renewed thinking that is “other” focused, and where we look at old problems in a new way. We have seen how new and different thinking has influenced the process of campaigning and more importantly, how these new images can provide hope and optimism not only for our country, but also for the countries around the globe. As leaders, we too must look to govern optimistically by leading at the boundaries, gaining access to a variety of different constituents and cultivating not only an interactive dialogue but a culture of transparency and collective intent.

Historically, the measure of individual success has been the accumulation of more and better things than the next person or organization. This measure is based on 20th century industrial thinking but we are living in a 21st century, global community. It is time to recognize that measures and outcomes are (and need to be) different.

These are challenging yet exciting times, infused with a spirit of hope and a renewed sense of human capacity. As we move forward—as this new generation of leaders takes the helm—it is crucial to realize that the energy and momentum that fuel this transition are necessary components of the development of a new path for leadership and prosperity. Our responsibility, individually and collectively to ourselves, our organizations—and these new times—does not end with the transition, but rather it begins anew as we continue to touch the future with the work we do today and everyday.