The beauty of writing a blog is that the author can turn their attention to a range of relevant topics. My focus this week is ‘leadership and economic stimulus’. Why? Because as I follow a number of discussions on economic situations around the world I’m reminded how closely it’s linked to our personal self-confidence.
People with money are holding onto it; they’re not spending it, rather they are spending time and effort looking for safe havens. Whether that’s Switzerland (who have responded decisively to dissuade people from this approach), or major banks (some of which are charging ‘negative interest’ to reflect the cost of this). A ‘safe haven’ is just a way of saying “I don’t feel confident enough to invest at the moment”.
searching for that elusive 'safe haven'
So Economic Stimulus needs Confidence
There’s so much we can do, as leaders, when we do feel confident. We all know what it feels like to be ‘in the zone’: dynamic, energetic and full of that ‘can do’ feeling. We see more possibilities and our brains are more creative. Brain scientists would say that this is because more of the oxygen in our system is going to the brain – rather than being diverted to our legs (flight), our arms and hands (fight), or to our hearts (when we grieve and mourn).
There are steps we can take to generate economic confidence, and rather than offering out-of-context solustions, I invite you to consider these two questions:
- What stimulus does your business or organisation need from other businesses/organisations?
- What will you/your organisation do to stimulate the economy in turn? Whether at a local, national or international level.
The LeadershipZone – a place of dynamic possibility
So in the LeadershipZone we need to be in a place of dynamic possibility and lead our people and teams towards success and achievement. Does this feel like a tall order? When there’s so much to be done before the end of the day, week or month – it can appear to be so. My challenge to anyone reading this is to step back and start looking the bigger picture:
- What’s your strategic vision for what you’re aiming towards?
The steps on the way maybe detailed and complex, but if we – and our people – aren’t feeling motivated and clear about where we’re going, then nothing’s going to happen.
The converse is also true, sometimes we do, and achieve, a lot – but no-one is stopping to look at the steps we’re taking towards success. Here’s five things you can do to support yourself and others see the results of the effort they’re putting in:
- Notice and express the qualities of the people around you. For example, if you notice a way of doing something that brings results, mention it publicly – and mention the quality you see in the person that resulted in that achievement too.
- Look at your own experience, skills and strengths, and really get to know these factors in your team members. These are what will get you through the challenges ahead.
- Set up mentoring/buddy schemes – so that you and your colleagues have someone who’s open to hearing about the challenges and providing relevant advice. I’m currently supporting a mentoring scheme for professional women working in logistics in the UK (with links across the world). It’s amazing how generous people are in offering support to others as they climb the career ladder. People loved being asked to be mentors – as long as their time and professionalism is respected
- Here’s a great website where you and your people can be reminded to list and reflect on their daily achievements: http://www.idonethis.com
- Talking these achievements over with a colleague, boss or buddy can really inspire and motivate you and your people
Remember the rules of the LeadershipZone: get yourself inspired and motivated first, so that you can better inspire, motivate and above all lead your team to success.
The LeadershipZone for better leadership 