Chase the desire to be best in practice and be open to learning from others to stay ahead of the game, says Dana Lightbody of The Leadership Institute
Each year Dana Lightbody, CEO of The Leadership Institute, hosts 35 leadership summits, presents over 500 high profile speakers and educates more than 2500 attendees looking for that golden nugget to become a better leader within their business or organisation. Today, she shares her top five ways to achieve just that in 2020, no matter what stage of the journey you’re at.
“Leadership isn’t something that you’re born with, it’s a learnt skill that needs constant nurturing and development throughout your life and career,” says Dana. Combine this with the fast paced, technologically advanced world we live in, where there seems a new gadget, app or way of doing things everyday—it can become very overwhelming, she says.
She adds that it is time to get back to the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) way of doing things and put a plan together for a leadership journey in 2020, the key being to make sure it’s realistic and something one will stick to.
“I truly believe that what got you here, won’t get you there. So, don’t be complacent and think that where you’re at right now is good enough, because sadly that when’s you get left behind. Chase the desire to be best in practice and be open to learning from others to stay ahead of the game,” says Dana.
Dana Lightbody’s top five ways to be a better leader in 2020 and KISS, include:
1. Create an Executive Toolkit: Start with your values and write them down, this will give you a way to measure yourself against the qualities your ‘ideal leader’. Knowing who you are and what you stand for will assist your team in measuring themselves in a positive way, leading them to feel valued, and as a by-product, even more motivated.
2. Allocate time: Block out time in your calendar and schedule the events and training sessions you want to attend throughout the year. If you schedule it in advance, you’re more likely to attend and follow through.
3. Get educated: Book in formal training, internally or externally and make time to attend it. Conferences for straight from the source learning, deconstructed university courses or one day industry focused trainings. Whatever it is, make time for it. Compile a selection of books to read throughout the year, if reading is not your thing – try an audiobook on the way to work. I’d start with my favourite business author Brené Brown and aim for one per month.
4. Engage a mentor or sponsor: You’d be surprised how many experienced CEO’s, entrepreneurs and educators are looking to mentor or sponsor upcoming talent. Simply make a list of the people who inspire you and reach out.
5. Network: Attend networking events! You should find that a lot of courses and summits include a networking session at the end of the first day. Plan to stay for the duration, and although it’s like speed dating, you never know who you might meet or what opportunity might arise.
The Leadership Institute has a line-up of interesting events in 2020. Some of the highlights include: Authentic Leadership Summit: 10-20 March
- The Empowered Woman Summit: 26 March
- The SME Success Summit: 13 May
- Indigenous Leadership Summit: 26-29 May
- Women in Public Sector Leadership Summit: 16-19 June
- Disruptive Innovation Summit: 18-21 August
- Business Transformation Summit: 23 September
- The 5th Women In Leadership Summit: 20-23 October
- Executive Leadership Summit: 24-27 November
For more information, log in to theleadershipinstitute.com.au
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