Last week we talked about various ways to optimize towards email acquisitions. Very useful information, but quite specific. Today, we want to take the time to discuss some more high-level strategy.
That’s right, let’s dive into what differentiates leaders from the pack by looking into how they think.
Murray Newlands writes a great list of “10 Ways Leaders Think Differently” for Entrepreneur.com that we really wanted to share with you.
- “They execute with a goal in mind.” A good leader will perform tasks with certain objectives in mind. They don’t just do things no questions asked. If you want to act like a leader, make sure everything you’re doing has a purpose and a clear objective. Ask yourself a few questions: how will this help further the business? What action items are there to achieve the goal?
- “They stay on strategy.” They don’t get side tracked by unnecessary tasks. They focus on what needs to be done. Remaining strategy-focused goes hand in hand with the previous statement. Do things with purpose and with a specific goal in mind in order to stay in strategy.
- “They know perfection doesn’t exist.” Perfection isn’t real. It’s just not. So, harboring on every minute detail will only hinder performance. You should not be chasing after something as unattainable as ‘perfection.’ Your talent and time is much better suited.
- “They focus on the how, not the what.” How can you execute your strategy? How can you act on the solutions you came up with? Focusing on the how instead of just what will go a long way in terms of achieving your goals. Remember, a leader is thinking strategically by focusing on one goal. So think about how to achieve that goal and not just that you have a goal.
- “They ask questions (about everything).” Questions are seriously SO important. Without them, everything would remain the same, stuck in the status quo with no forward movement. And let’s face it; no one wants that. Question things in order to figure out new processes or efficiency tactics. Leaders don’t just consume whatever Kool-Aid is in front of them blindly. They question and figure out new ways to experience Kool-Aid.
- “They gamble strategically.” Take risks. Leaders understand that it’s okay to fail as long as you are learning and growing. Gamble, but do so with intention and strategies in place. If you fail, it’s okay because at least you could gain something from the experience. Also, nothing ventured, nothing gained, am I right?
- “They reflect before they act, not after.” Thinking before you do or say something is a hard skill to master, but it is an important leadership quality to have. Reflect on the consequences of your actions before diving in, not after.
- “They participate in collaborative thinking.” You all know how much we value collaboration. We’ve only said it a hundred times or so. Leaders respect their team’s’ opinions by working WITH them. Collaboration can really make or break your business. It will pave the way for new innovation.
- “They see the bigger picture.” Leaders can see the big picture and not just focus on the one task at hand. You have to think about how each piece fits into the puzzle. It’s not easy in business because the puzzle tends to be one of those 10,000 pieces, no edges type of nearly impossible puzzles no one really enjoys. Okay, some people enjoy the challenge, but you get the picture. You have to think about the grand scope in order to thrive as a leader.
- “They can simplify difficult tasks.” Leaders get shit done. Plain and simple. They find ways to work more efficiently by simplifying difficult tasks and coming up with solutions.
It might seem like a daunting task, but these things are are very doable. It just takes some elbow grease and patience. But don’t take our word for it! What do you think leaders do or should do that makes them great?
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