NYC Christmas Snow: Time To Stop and Reflect
Christmas snow is a sign we are coming to the end of the year, and if it delays us or means we end up getting stuck, then it gives us a chance to reflect. I’ve set out 10 “Big Freeze” questions to think through on your business and leadership. Also, for those of you in NYC snow this week and running your own businesses, I’m offering a chance to address these questions with me in person, through my own Christmas give-back.
So, as you get to the end of 2013, do you feel happy and proud of what you achieved, or would you say that more frustrated and exhausted, and not where you want to be?
My 10 Big Freeze Questions:
- Did you make the progress you wanted this year?
Has it been a grind, or a challenging (but enjoyable) year? - What are the 3-4 things that need to be reset next year?
- Do you have confidence that you have a business system that has the right people working with you, with the right mindsets to deliver results next year?
- If you step back, is your business or team powered by the need just to keep going, or do you have an exciting future and higher purpose which drives you all?
- Are you clear on how you can build sustainable value?
Do you have 4-5 breakthroughs (like Apple used to) which can shift your business to a new level? - Do your top people share enough trust, belief and care for your company?
- What are the things that drain your energy and belief, and can you remove them?Do you need some fresh talent to give you ideas, momentum, and to share the load?
- What can you do to show appreciation and thanks, and to celebrate pre-Christmas?
What is your give-back outside the company? - In 2014, how can you set up a life system which better balances work, success and happiness?
- What single thing could you personally do differently, which would have the power to make it a fantastic 2014?
My Own Reflections
As I reflect on 2013, I’d say that it’s been a challenging year, but that I finish inspired by what my company has been able to do. As Fortune 500 CEO confidants, when I think about some of the outstanding results that the CEOs we’ve worked with have been able to achieve – both here and in China – it makes me really excited about 2014.
Am the moment I’m in the US, and on Friday spent a fascinating day filming in Austin, Texas, with John Mackey and Walter Robb, the two co-CEOs of Whole Foods Market, for the BBC CEO Guru TV series. They have enjoyed fantastic success, underpinned by their form of ‘Conscious Capitalism’, which is all about having a higher purpose, seeking inter-connected wins for all stakeholders, and combining conscious and caring leadership with strong results and growth. Over the year, I’ve also had the pleasure to meet with many great CEOs including the leaders eBay, GE, Boots, Fosun, BYD (a Chinese company that stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’) and Diageo.
Open Xmas Step-Back Offer To New York Entrepreneurs
I’ve just arrived in New York City, and for me, most of the last working week of the year will be about BBC filming with top East Coast CEOs.
I love NYC, especially at this time of year. It makes me think of ‘Fairytale of New York’ by The Pogues. A lot of New Yorkers have influenced me, from Stan Lee as a kid, to the talented Billy Joel in 80s, and even Alicia Keys. I have witnessed and admire the fighting spirit of the city, especially after 9/11.
So before I head home to London for Christmas on Thursday evening, I’d like to offer to give back some of my time. I’d love to meet with owners and CEOs of small- and medium-sized companies, who want to grow and build a great company. I’d like to offer them the chance to step back, and check if they are on the right path.
I’ll be around on Wednesday morning at 9am, at the Bouchon Bakery at Time Warner Center, to spend time with individuals or with a group. My aim is to add some value by sharing my expertise, challenge, guide and hopefully inspire, while making some friends in the process.
(NB For the cynics amongst you, it is purely an Christmas give-back. I have no other agenda, financial or otherwise, as the sole focus of my business is coaching Fortune 500 CEOs. So this isn’t some cheap business development trick.)
So if you run a business and would value an external perspective, or a chance to learn how the top CEOs in the world would go about tackling your professional challenges, then please come along and join us over coffee and donuts, for an Christmas business workout and celebration.
Register your interest at:
https://www.meetup.com/NYC-Entrepreneur-Business-Owner-Workout-With-BBC-CEO-Guru/events/155616612/
Some End-Of-Year Coaching & Reflection Resources
Think that you're CEO of management material? Try our World Of CEOs CEO Potential Test:
https://www.worldofceos.com/ceo-potential-test
Some roadmaps for aspiring corporate leaders:
Fly To The Top: The 30:30:30:10 Rule
The Secret: How To Become A Fortune 500 CEO
Over To You
LIKE:
Give this a like if you’ve found these 10 Big Freeze questions helpful.
SHARE:
If you know someone who’s in NYC who runs a business, and would one-to-one input helpful.
COMMENT:
Have you got stuck in the snow? Share your reflections on 2013 below.
FOLLOW:
Do follow me here on LinkedIn as I bring to life what’s happening in the World Of CEOs on a weekly basis, along with regular leadership, social media, career, hiring and productivity insights.
JOIN:
Signup for my weekly ‘CEO Insider’ email at:
https://www.worldofceos.com/ceo-insider-signup
-----------------------
By Steve Tappin
Chief Executive, Xinfu, Host BBC CEO Guru & Founder, World Of CEOs
Steve is a personal confidant to many of the world’s top CEOs. He is the host of BBC ‘CEO Guru’, which features in-depth, on-the-record interviews with the CEOs of the biggest and fastest-growing companies. Founder Of WorldOfCEOs.com, Steve is the author of ‘The Secrets Of CEOs’, which interviews 200 CEOs on business life and leadership.
Photo: Josh Rosen
Christmas is a time for giving and ideally giving should be nothing more than a completion of the spiritual circuit. We try to think of that special gift for that special someone. All too often Madison Avenue marketing arouse our inner weed fleeting passions rather than inspiring us to weed out hate and unclog our respective spiritual roots. Unfortunately, the slightest bit of recognized exploitation in marketing communication can cause hopes and wishes for Christmas to precipitate back to earth like a Christmas snow. Wouldn't it be a Miracle if we could develop the same kind of craving for tapping our roots for spirituality, the same way oil companies drill for oil. Then we could all surge this idyllic spirituality to each other for experiencing the ultimate passion of the Christmas Light.
Lead Instructor: Firearms | Emergency Medical | Active Shooter
10 年Making an impact this Holidays Season, there is something for every small business to choose from. When you start early you will have a plenty of time planning your successful holiday marketing campaign. Christmas is a heavy buying season therefore you need to consider the profits you will be able to earn.
Co-founder at Retencity ?? Breathe Life Into Your Lifecycle Marketing
10 年EOY is always the quintessential time for reflection. Cheers to a happy EOY and a blessed 2014!
NY Life Agent helping families, business owners, high net-worth individuals, and retirees reach financial independence.
10 年Big trials for 2014! Year of Moving Forward! 2013 unexpectedly turned into the Year of Recovery, after 2012 was the Year of Downsizing. I need to move up and move on and keep moving forward in the upcoming year. Always plan as best you can and measure your results, but always remember that the best laid plans cannot survive contact with the enemy....Get up and get going!!
Banker at Shade rat of Iran
10 年That's aback snow