– 2007: Leading with Vision

Bye-bye 2006…Hello 2007! Ripe with potential, and full of opportunity, the new year brings with it the chance for leaders to pave a new path to success within their company.  Though the year has just begun, it’s crucial for leaders to get an early start by clearly defining their vision for 2007.

To do so, requires that leaders have a firm understanding of their leadership strengths, know where their company needs to be in the future, and understand that tomorrow’s business climate will look very different than today’s. 

Sue Bethanis, Founder and CEO of Mariposa Leadership, Inc., states that “The world of business is changing at an extremely rapid pace.  Leaders must prepare themselves and their organizations now for a business environment that could look drastically different tomorrow. Looking ahead is vital.  When there’s an economic downturn, prepare for the upturn; when there’s an upturn, prepare for the downturn.”

Bethanis, author of Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage, notes three ways to shape your vision and legacy for 2007.  

• Identify Strengths – It’s critical for you to identify your leadership gifts and strengths. You must first realize what your strengths are, before directly applying them to your leadership vision.
• Clarify the Destination – Get clear on where you and your organization currently stand and where you need to be.  Once you gain clarity you can begin to create a leadership vision that will help guide your organization towards its desired destination.   
• Continue Learning – Today’s leaders must constantly be learning about themselves, their businesses, and society at large.  The better you can approximate the not-so-distant future the more prepared you will be when it finally arrives.