A Leader's Fresh Start

The theme this semester has been on individual and organizational resilience. I have spent a good portion of this class thinking up ways how I can be more resilient and consequently have more influence in my organization. For the most part I think individual strength is a crucial factor in resilience.  This quote is a potent reminder of the weathering of good leaders:

"The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It's the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun."  Napolean Hill

So what if a leader is too weathered?  What if the previous environment has been hit by a force of nature? Obviously the forest is going to have physical reminders a storm came through but often the actual damage is minimal except when we start to compare with what we used to have.  

The nonresilient leader lives in denial but the resilient leader prepares for change. I recommend simulating the storm and creating change in your life. I am fascinated by the Chinese proverb “If you want your life to change move 27 things.” Here are 7 recommendations (the other 20 are on you) to bring healthy change into your life.

1.)    Ruthlessly box up unwanted clothing and donate to further your favorite cause.

2.)    Call your family and friends—and have them come pick up any items they have left behind and return those you have borrowed.

3.)    Go through your bookshelves and donate, sell, or lend out books to enrich others.

4.)    Unsubscribe to all email lists, blogs, and newsletters that no longer serve you now.

5.)    Call a charity organization to pick up heavy household items and release sentimental furniture which doesn’t suit your style.

6.)    Try only watching TV without commercials. Two options might be Netflix (if you don’t mind the September price hike) or Amazon Prime. This will not only de-clutter your mind 18 minutes on the hour but it will also keep slick advertisers out of your decision-making mind.

7.)    Finally, tough but worthwhile. Turn your cable off.  Make deliberate choices with your time to spend with family, friends, and civic activities.  This will prepare any leader for tough decisions ahead.

Change happens. How will you handle it?