A successful year ahead? You choose.
I can’t remember a New Year’s Eve that has been so dominated by negativity. Many people, not exclusively on media channels either, are reflecting on 2008 as a bad year. This is especially true in Ireland.
However, what is a source of irritation to me is the relentless pessimism that abounds regarding 2009. It has become quite trendy to play one-upmanship games of how bad things are about to get. “No, no, that’s not the worst of it. Just imagine when….”
I understand that there are rough economic times ahead. I understand that there will be many who will lose their jobs and that many businesses will close. Behind all the statistics, there is a human price to be paid. Many people will face some tough challenges.
I may be in the minority when I think that it’s ok for businesses to fail. Businesses tend to fail for a reason i.e. its customers and potential customers don’t see sufficient value in its offering. Many of the commercial entities that I see failing now seem to have built a value proposition that was dependent on a compliant and enthusiastic customer. The problem with customers like that is that they eventually change their minds.
Nothing lasts forever. When the good times are rolling, it’s so easy to believe that they are sustainable. We convince ourselves that this is the new reality. And sometimes, we can be right. But we need to evolve. And anticipate. I believe it was Jack Welch who said, “when the rate of change within our organisation is slower than the rate of change outside, then the end is in sight”.
So, we need to get moving. We need to decide that no matter what the external circumstances, we can still choose our next move. We can’t guarantee success in new ventures but we can guarantee our own approach. We can choose whether we go through the motions or whether we give it everything we have. We can choose to take radical options. Or we can stay close to the ditch and avoid upsetting other people. It’s up to us.
I believe in ongoing learning. I believe in the power of a group to provide an invaluable support to its individual members. I believe in the power of challenge, pushing beyond what we believe is possible. And most of all, I believe in the capability of people to lead themselves and others to a better place when they allow themselves to do so.
My focus in 2009 will be to translate these beliefs into meaningful action; to provide leadership and value to those who need it and who are ready for it.
Some of you are already on board. Others will join us soon. I’m looking forward to it.
Happy New Year!