By Eric Woodruff, CPA, CCIFP
Partner, Director of Audit & Assurance Services
[email protected]
“To the person who does not know where he wants to go, there is no favorable wind.” These ancient words from Roman philosopher Lucius Seneca still ring true for leaders today. They often fixate on the daily grind and lose sight of the big picture. A true leader not only has a clear idea of what they want when they walk through the door of their business every day, but they also have a vision for the company three-to-five years down the road. Long-term vision is what keeps businesses alive.
Whether you’re a CEO, department head or manager, you may not know all the steps needed to fulfill your vision. But you can build a team that will help you carve out a path toward your goals. And make sure they’re with you for the long haul. As French aviator and author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t herd people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”
Of course, thinking ahead is difficult in this era of constant communication, dysfunction and distraction. We live in a world so saturated with social media and sensational news that we can easily lose sight of daily tasks and long-term objectives. Rise above the chaotic state of society and all the “noise,” and make sure you and your team are keenly focused on the critical ingredients of long term success!
A leader should maintain a laser-like focus that rubs off on those around them. Confidence is also key! Your calm, confident demeanor can carry the team over hurdles that would otherwise kill a company. That’s the power of positive thinking.
Be the kind of leader you would want to follow. Think of how you would want to be comforted and motivated in the face of obstacles, and, most importantly, define what success looks like for your enterprise.
As business guru Simon Sinek said, “So much of starting a business or affecting change is the confidence and courage to simply try.” And it’s easier to be brave when you have a strong team behind you. The new year isn’t so new anymore. It’s time to take larger leaps toward the future of your business. Make it a bright one!
If we can assist you further with achieving success in your business or personal affairs, please contact Eric Woodruff at (317) 613-7850 or email [email protected].