Starting 2021 with Advice from Those Ahead of You

There are a lot of reasons I do not have any Christian identifiers on the back of my SUV, but the biggest reason is that I don’t respond well to traffic or ridiculously slow drivers! I’m not an “aggressive” driver (everyone says that), but I can be a very annoyed one. When I am stuck in traffic, I always wonder, “What is going on up ahead? Would those drivers with a better perspective tell me to turn around? Wait it out? Take a different route?”  

So, to start out the new year, we asked a number of our consultants and clients to share their best advice for other leaders. Here are the two questions they answered:

1. “What is one thing you wish you did earlier in your life/career but did not do?”

2. “What is one positive decision you made early in your career that significantly contributed to who you are today?”

The following are the three themes that surfaced most often. Consider this advice as you map out 2021.

1. Invest in learning.

Multiple people mentioned that investing in their own development was important. This included pursuing an advanced degree or certification, but most respondents referred to seeking out mentors and coaches in their lives – people who could help them grow, hold them accountable, and encourage them.

What will you do in 2021 to advance your own learning? Is there an additional credential that you and your organization would benefit from? Would a leadership coach help you reach your greatest potential for influence and impact?

This phrase from one of our respondents sums it up: “Embrace feedback and seek mentors.”

2. Strive for balance.

Everyone talks about balance in life, but it can often be illusive. Yet, balance was mentioned many times by those who responded to our questions. They especially noted things like not pursuing success at the expense of your marriage and family and not neglecting the feeding of your spiritual life.

As you think about this new year, what areas of your life feel a bit out of balance? Finances? Health? Spiritual life? Relationships? Family? Rather than being motivated by guilt, focus on something you are most passionate about changing and develop a simple plan to make progress in that area over the next 12 months.

This phrase from one of our respondents sums it up: “Never compromise your personal convictions to advance your career.”

3. Take risks.

Looking back on their lives, multiple people said they were glad they had taken risks in their career when they were younger or regretted not doing so when they should have. This included taking the risk to leave a position they did not like for something better as well as taking the leap to start their own business.

Taking risks is something every successful leader has done, many times over. Risks create both opportunity and fear, so it is wise to get counsel before you move ahead. What is something you have considered doing but the risks have held you back?

This phrase from one of our respondents sums it up: “I wish I had taken the leap of faith much earlier…”

Contact us to learn how our experienced coaches can assist you in growing in your leadership and planning for 2021.

Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.