By Neil Phillips.
As you start (or finish) wrapping your business up for 2017, you have an opportunity. You can decide to step back, look at your business, and decide what you want it to be in 2018.
We seldom plan to be exactly where we find ourselves. Direct sales leaders are a good example. They get there by accident. Having been through the process, I know how it works. You start out looking for a part-time income, talk with a friend who wanted something similar which led to them joining and (before you could think about it), got pushed into a leadership role. You never really planned to become a leader. You just looked up one day and there you were.
You started out to solve a problem, didn’t have 20-20 foresight on where it would lead you, and ended up where you are now. You are now in a position to develop an awareness of “where you are” versus “where you want to be.” Before diving back into your business in 2018, you need to take a little time in your “step back” to see if where are you are is where you want to be. Here are fifteen questions to support you in your step back.
- What is the mission of your business?
- Alternatively, ask, “What calling does my business serve?”
- What are the core values of your business?
- What examples of your values in action can you point to?
- How does your business add to the value in your life?
- How will your vision guide your business?
- How are you being the leader you would follow?
- How will you align your team with your vision?
- How will your team describe your leadership style?
- How are you living your values in your business?
- Alternatively, ask, “How are you leading by example?
- How are you embracing your team members who exemplify the team’s values?
- How do you want your business remembered?
- Alternatively, ask, “What’s my legacy?”
- When you leave your business, what will you be leaving behind?
When we get involved with our business, we often get so buried in the “what” of the business, we forget to focus on the “why” and “how.” The former is important, but it’s the latter that is the true measure of your leadership. You don’t attract people and build a team without a compelling character. By doing a step back you have the opportunity to examine your business character and become deliberate in creating your future.
If you have a thought partner, this exercise goes much better. Pick the questions that make you think the most, write a short answer, and have your thought partner react. You’ll find out very quickly if you are honest with yourself and making sense.
Team Connections Pro Can Be Your Thought Partner
As you work on your goals for next year, you can easily set your head spinning in circles and start to get nauseated by the thoughts of sugar plums. We’d like to help. Rather than reading this in your email, go to Team Connections and sign up for the FREE eBOOK you see at the top of the page. You find some great ideas for creating a plan, engaging your team, and finding some quick successes.
It’s free! What are you waiting for?
Want to take it to a higher level? Partner with Team Connections Pro. Your two monthly coaching calls can make all the difference in your business.
