A 360 Approach to Intentional Leadership

Have you ever paid attention to hamsters?  They go round and round on their little wheel, but get no where. Sometimes we as business people can be like those poor aimless hamsters -- continually doing the same task and getting nowhere fast. Perhaps you are pursuing the same goal you didn't attain last year or giving the same incentives to your team with no results.  Or, maybe you are reiterating the same information and no one is paying attention.  How do we get off the hamster wheel? You do so by becoming an intentional leader.  

There are a few things that intentional leaders pursue consistently:

Customer Focus -- An intentional leader remembers who he is supposed to be serving, internally and externally.  Focus on pursuits that serve the greater good. Encourage your team to focus on actions -- not just activities -- that make a difference for your customer.   What things can you do today and everyday to increase customer satisfaction, loyalty,  repeat business and/or market share?

Brand Identity - What do you want to be known as and known for?  That's the question you need to answer now.  It's more than just a slogan or catch phrase.  It's what you want people to say about you, your business, and your products and services.  It's closely linked to your reputation.  When you're off your hamster wheel, you're focused on strategies that help you increase brand recognition and awareness.  If you're brand is damaged, what can you do to turn that around?  If your brand is unknown, how can you communicate and increase awareness?  

Vision - Your organization has a vision.  Whether it's written, spoken, or implied, there is something that drives it.  It  might also be called your purpose.   As an intentional leader, you need to communicate the vision early and often.  A clearly communicated vision helps eliminate unanswered questions, deep-seated doubts, and ongoing confusion.  When considering a new project, initiative, or directive, ask yourself if it supports the vision.  If it doesn't, it might be the wrong move.  

Humanity - It may sound like a warm and fuzzy principle, and in some ways it is.  Nevertheless, showing interest in the needs and concerns of others matters in the results they produce. Empathy, support, listening, and sharing help to build trust and promotes optimal performance. Talk to your team and invite them to talk to you.  When they do, ask clarifying questions, such as 'how did you reach that conclusion?'; 'how is the situation impacting you?';  or 'what do you need from me?'

Everything you do should support what you're good at, who you serve, and what you want to be known for doing.  When leaders remain intentional about these key areas,  every decision has a clearer path, every problem has a clearer solution, and every day has a clearer focus.  

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