Most people in leadership roles are so busy surviving that they miss opportunities to become more powerful and influential. Rather than being a shaper, they remain stuck in reaction mode. Although understandable, it is not excusable if you want to be highly successful.
The pressures exerted on people to achieve miracles with limited resources can be extreme. Hitting deadlines and year-end targets becomes an all-consuming pursuit. If you are feeling like this and struggling to survive, it is likely that you are not in control and are simply reacting to those around you.
Happy with that?
More importantly, do you want to do something about it?
Right now, you’ll probably be thinking yes, but dismissing the idea because you cannot see any way of doing it. Fair enough, however, you are racing ahead too quickly. Taking more control of your work has to begin with a firm and definite decision to do something about it. The route doesn’t need to be clear for the decision to be made.
When you have made the decision to take more control, then you need to build enough motivation to keep looking for things you can do to make it happen. To begin on this process …
Gautrey Unleashed
Since 2008, Colin has been inspiring ambitious professionals to take practical action to increase their impact and influence.
- What exactly isn’t right about your current situation?
- How much more control (and over what) do you need to have in order for you to feel okay?
- What needs to change to allow you to gain this level of control?
- If you did achieve this level of control, how would you benefit, what’s in it for you?
As you are running through these questions, try to suspend your disbelief that it is possible. Also, make sure you don’t try to answer the question lurking in the background — how are you going to do this? The questions are intended to help build clarity on what needs to change and also your resolve and motivation to make it happen.
At the end of the day, it is up to you. If you are struggling to control the world around you, you could decide that change is impossible, and nothing is going to help. Or, you could decide to put some energy into doing something about it.
If you’re minded to do something about it, fast, you may be interested in one of my books, Taking Control: Your Next 90 Days…
Colin Gautrey
Provocative Coach/Mentor | Specialism: Impact and Influence
Gautrey Unleashed
Since 2008, Colin has been inspiring ambitious professionals to take practical action to increase their impact and influence.