It has only been the first thirty days of a new year and already the news media has gone berserk. News stories cover calamities, catastrophes, and chaos from one end of the globe to the other. But, for solid and grounded leaders it is not a time to fret. On the contrary, leaders among us can rise to the occasion to take the high road.
The first way leaders can rise above the chaos portrayed is to outline priorities. We see goals outlined in mandated annual state of the union and state of the state addresses from noted political leaders. Business types take an opportunity with a new year to outline key corporate objectives. In this way, people can follow the lead and not succumb to the chaos depicted.
Next, leaders can make it a point to be committed to systemic change. Chaos will exist regardless of the time and day. But, good leaders can maintain confidence among people by making sure to stay the course. Despite the challenges perceived, leaders can encourage others to stay on point.
Lastly, it is important for leaders to perpetuate peace and not chaos. Fostering disharmony and discontent is detrimental. Intentionally creating a malicious environment eventually leads to further foolishness. In the end, these actions work against leaders who play this underhanded card.
Leaders taking necessary steps to create sustained collaboration will go a lot further in the end. With a few simple ways to get beyond the perceived chaos leaders can create a memorable and mindful legacy.
Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
