planning vs. action

This is a constant tension for a leader. Should you act now and then bring the plan together? OR would you garner more support & involvement if you thoroughly planned out your next big move?

80%

Perfectionists are needed on a great team, but they don’t usually make for the best leaders. If everything has to be lined up before you make a move, you will never make a move. Too many things are changing too often for you to be huddled up planning out every step you should take. PLUS you can’t see everything you need to see until you get into the mission you are aiming to achieve. 

On the flip side, “flying by the seat of your pants” may sound like a great thing to do with your recreational time, but in leadership it won’t illicit renowned support from key supporters and potential followers. If this is your style, slow down a bit! You probably get your energy from talking to people and getting things going, but you will run into some costs and troubles that you could easily avoid if you and a team think through your action plan.

Get your self, your team and your plan 80% of the way to completion and then pull the trigger and get going!

look for GREAT opportunities

One added ingredient to leadership is to recognize and do not miss GREAT opportunities. This is certainly a difference maker for leaders. It is both an art and a skill. Some risk is required here along with experience that will only be gained through lost opportunities that you were slow to act on or opportunities that you took up too quickly and then didn’t pan out as hoped. However, stick to it and you will get a better sense of these opportunities when they come your way.