leadingtoday.org

Leadership Tip of the Month

January 2006

Copyright 2006 ã weLEAD, Inc.

What is Your New Year's Resolution?

Every year millions of individuals decide to start a New Year's resolution. With the best of intentions these resolutions are intended to produce positive change, or establish a new personal habit. Unfortunately, these usually last only a few days and quickly fall by the wayside. However, the determination to make some needed changes or to develop a new positive habit is a good principle. But the process of changing anything can be a difficult experience. Without commitment and sacrifice we will not be able to achieve real lasting change. In recognition of a new calendar year, I would like to suggest to you a special area of personal growth and some valid ways you can achieve it. One quality that all leaders need is greater resilience, especially when they are faced with severe challenges or trauma. Resilience is defined as the ability to recover quickly from setbacks. Anyone in a leadership position will eventually be confronted with adversity and self-doubt. Here are some things you can do to become more resilient.

An emphasis on the "present." Far too many leaders focus on the past. This causes us to wallow in "if only's" or "what if's" as we relive our mistakes over and over again. It is good to acknowledge our errors and even make restitution if possible. But then it is time to let go and live in the present. Reliving the past delays the healing process and drains the energy that is needed for new ideas or growth. Resolve to live in the now and make the most of today. You can't drive a car while intently looking in the rear view mirror. What is behind you is important, but it is in the past. What is most important is what lies ahead and this is what we should concentrate on!

Bravely confront the tough issues. Promise yourself that you will face the hardest issues head-on. Many problems fester and grow because we are afraid or reluctant to tackle them. It takes courage to admit your fears or weaknesses. Perhaps we are being held back by a person, or by an old tradition or by an new idea. It may be time to deal with this barrier and achieve a breakthrough. Anytime we muster up enough strength to do this, we face a certain amount of risk. However, the longer we wait to do the right thing, the harder it will be to confront and solve the tough issues.

Be willing to accept help when needed. Contrary to popular belief, strong leaders are willing to reach out for help when they need it. According to psychologist Salvatore Maddi of the University of California-Irvine, it's a myth that resilient people display a solitary toughness. It takes humility to analyze and admit our need for help. In November of 1994, former American President Ronald Reagan announced to the world that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In a personal hand-written letter he informed the American people of this serious condition. He knew he would need the help, love and support of his family to face this difficult challenge. The affection he received from friends and family along with quality healthcare extended his life another 10 years.

Tap into spirituality and life changing experiences. Does it really make any difference in what you believe about your role in the world? Karen Reivich, co-author of The Resilience Factor believes that spirituality aids people in overcoming challenges. If you look at the overwhelming majority of historical leaders who achieved positive change in the world, you will discover a common thread of their belief in a higher power. This belief gave them a mission and sense of destiny. Many people who face death due to disease or accident find themselves with a renewed appreciation of life and a desire to make a difference while they are still alive.

Model a "can-do" attitude with optimism. This is not living in denial. People in denial try to hide behind addictions or abuse. In contrast, a can-do optimism faces problems and struggles with focus and confidence. Even small changes we make in ourselves can reinforce a can-do spirit and keep us moving forward. Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson of the University of Michigan believes there is evidence that optimism helps to ward off depression. Many leaders face a period of melancholy or mild depression after facing a severe crisis. The optimistic ones recover after a short period of time with renewed zeal and commitment.

As we begin a new year let's remember the importance of being a more resilient leader. Everyone eventually faces conflict, crisis or a personal trial. But, it is those who rise to get on their feet again who make a difference in the lives of others.

For weLEAD, this is Greg Thomas reminding you that it was Walter Bagehot who once wrote, “The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do”.