Many headlines in today's media are focused on finding strong leaders, risk takers - those who will be bold and decisive. How does one become a bold leader? Could it start with self-leadership? What if we each acted like a leader every day, no matter what title we hold or level we work at within our organizations. With many businesses operating lean, the result is staff members who are struggling to keep up, and senior managers who are likely being told to and/or are worrying about getting "more"with fewer employees. You know, more sales, more productivity, or more commitment.

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There is a bright side to this challenging environment: the chance to be bold and become a leader! Have you been waiting to make your mark and gain more credibility and responsibility within your company? Are you a business owner who has been wanting to significantly impact your market or industry? Are you preparing your company for what's coming next? What about an emergency plan? Too many people don't have a crisis plan until they are in the midst of one.

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Often, we hear about good leaders having plans. Many times, even if there are precautions taken and plans are in place, if the pieces don't come together and communication isn't up-to-date and detailed, the plan fails.

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I recently met with some executives and editors in the technology industry and the lack of leadership was a big topic for them. It got me to thinking. Why is it that people are afraid to take a stand? I sincerely believe its because we've all forgotten how to plan or won't stop scurrying around long enough to pay attention to what's truly important. It feels like the more urgent things are taking precedent over the more important things. But what if people took time out to plan? Perhaps what's important could get done without becoming urgent. Perhaps people could go back to feeling less stressed and more focused on having a normal lifestyle. For example, I was listening to a popular talk radio host in the Boston area recently. He was saying there appears to be no normal anymore -- that is to say we live in an anything goes society - -and anything goes has become the norm. There are no defined laws or jurisdictions for cyber bullying so anything goes. The anonymity of the Internet has people feel brave enough to say and do things they might not otherwise do so anything goes.This includes politicians, business leaders, religious leaders, and average citizens.

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I propose we use this new year, a time of new resolutions and goals, to have a look at what should be normal: competent leaders who demonstrate morals, values, respect and individual accountability. Let's act as if we are accountable for everything we say and do, as well as for what we don't say and do. We may begin to see a shift. Whether the president of a corporation, the CEO of a business or the CEO of a home, leaders need to help every individual within their organization understand the big picture (goal) and how to be a bold, strong individuals. Conversely, each individual needs to help the true leader be accountable to those around him.

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I am challenging myself and all of you - let's be bold! Let's take some calculated risks and in the spirit of The Law of Attraction, let's act as if we have what we desire. If you want your business to have more clients so you can hire more staff, then begin the process of hiring the staff! If you know you need to take a vacation before you burn out, book the vacation! If you know you're not living an example of what you deem to be a good leader, be bold and make a change. Arise earlier each day to workout, plan, and have coffee with a colleague or your employees. Start small, being bold doesn't mean being big!

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Make appointments with yourself to revisit your direction, priorities, and plans. Call us to talk it over and see if we can be of assistance. You will assuredly discover you are worth the investment of a little bit of time.