Thinking Differently about Resolutions
December 29, 2015
Photo by Cristian Escobar on Unsplash
As we close out 2015 and anticipate a new year a common ritual is to think of ways to improve. For some it is considering a habit that needs to be broken or a way to overcome a weak point. Whatever the case, making New Year’s resolutions are cultural anchors marking the passage of time. I find this so interesting because at the very core resolutions are about change: to be different, better, less, or more of something. It is also a quest to elevate an aspect of our behavior or being. In some ways this is a fool’s game because changing one’s behavior is quite difficult and best achieved in an incremental fashion. That may well be the reason most of us fail to achieve the goal of the resolution. Likely we set too many, they are too broad, too narrow, or far beyond our reach. Our unquenchable desire for instant gratification coupled with the utter absence of patience creates failure as we simply dismiss the effort required to change and the fact that instant results are exceedingly uncommon.
In spite of myself, I have developed six resolutions and with each I have added a statement indicating why one would try to accomplish such a change. Knowing why is a critical element in successful change. If you see a resolution that resonates with you, choose to improve in incremental steps; spend time thinking about your usual response to the situation; determine how you will change that response; and what you will do when you succeed and when you fail. Being aware of what you are doing or should be doing relative to your resolution is critical to actually making change.
Suggested resolutions for 2016:
Resolve to think more deeply about issues, especially those you would prefer to ignore. Taking the time to think provides a tangible illustration of the difference between managers and leaders.
Resolve to consider an idea that sounds ridiculous before knocking it down. This is embracing innovation.
Resolve to be better at your job so that your employees can become better at theirs. This is a mainstay of an active relationship built on trust.
Resolve to explain why when you opt not to engage in change. This is living transparency.
Resolve to understand if what people outside your organization say about you is different than what employees say about you. This establishes a more realistic and honest portrayal of who you are as a leader, colleague and employee.
Resolve to be responsible for the well-being of those who report directly to you and to set a standard that they will adopt with their direct reports. This is an ongoing expression of loyalty.
I intend to select one of the resolutions and will report back on my progress periodically throughout the year. If you choose one consider occasionally letting me know how you are doing (laliarach@rachenterprises.com). As leaders and professionals we force change on others who end up dealing with the consequences of the new order in ways that those farther up the ladder don’t consider or experience. My challenge to you for 2016 is to take on a resolution, stick with it for the entire year and just may be the resultant experience will be a winner for your whole organization.
Dr. Lalia Rach is founder and partner of Rach Enterprises, a consulting firm that takes an uncommon sense approach and delivers genuine ideas that challenge traditional thinking. Blending professionalism, intelligence and enthusiasm, Lalia stimulates new thinking on leadership, risk-taking, strategy and innovation for clients who are seeking to escape the status quo. Lalia is a trusted adviser to senior level executives at many leading organizations due to her straightforward approach to business concerns and creative solutions that are results driven.