What's Best for The Company?

Welcome back to the Art of Leadership Mastery?. If you enjoy reading today's article, I invite you to like and share, and if a new reader, consider subscribing for complete access to all editions. Now for this week...

Earlier this month, my wife and I along with some good friends spent two weeks in Europe, first a few days in Venice, Italy, and then a 10-day cruise to the Greek Isles. It was an amazingly restful time for us. No TV. Little to no technology ( I left my laptop at home!) other than clearing some meaningless emails from my smartphone when in port.

A little bit scary? Yes, I did have some trepidation since this was the first time EVER not taking my laptop with me. And only the second time I've taken a two-week vacation. When was the last time you took a two-week vacation or a vacation without your laptop?

One morning about halfway into our cruise, my wife and I were having breakfast onboard our ship before heading out to our next adventure for the day. Next to us was a woman eating breakfast alone. We began a conversation with the usual small talk and later learned that her husband was preparing for a very important meeting later that day. Up until then, he had focused on preparing for the meeting while his wife did her best to enjoy their vacation. My wife and I could relate, she being the dutiful spouse and me, tied up with an important business meeting. That was us just a few years ago.

Now I know that there are times when you just can't avoid an important meeting or a project that has a delivery deadline that is in conflict with your personal life. Usually, for me, it seemed all the time to be the case.

But here's the thing.

You are not a machine, and even if you were there's an important mistake that I see leaders making all the time. Machines cannot go full-out 100 percent all the time. Machines need downtime to recover. If not, they will break. Why are you any different?

In a world filled with VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity), you need to recharge.

Having some much-needed downtime does not require you to take a two-week vacation or a sabbatical, although either would be great.

Someone Else's Crisis

One of my clients, a managing partner of a very successful CPA firm, shared with me the other day that while he was preparing for a hiking trip to the Rockies, one of his partners demanded that they meet right away. He did something bold. He said "no". Whatever it was could wait, and if not, he directed the partner to meet with others on the executive team.

TIP #1: You don't have to solve everyone else's problems.

Do you want to be successful and have a fulfilling life? Then stop taking on every problem as your own. What should you do instead? Delegate, delegate, delegate!

This is probably the biggest mistake I see leaders make across the board.

Yes, I've said it before, as the CEO or Managing Partner "The buck stops and starts with you". It's important to take 100 percent responsibility, but that does not mean you have to do it alone.

TIP #2: Ask for help.

Recently, a CEO shared with me one regret she had during her first two years as the new CEO. She didn't ask for help enough.

It's natural to think that as the leader, you need to have it all figured out. The reality though is that you don't and no one expects that from you.

TIP #3: Focus on what matters most

I wrote about this in my bestseller, 5 Minute Mastery?, The Surprising Secrets for Transforming Your Stress To Success and Mastering What's Important.

What are the issues or opportunities that will have the most impact on your business? What resources do you have in place to solve your problems or that can seize the opportunities? What's it costing you and your firm by not taking action now?

I'm confident that you have a pretty good idea of what matters most. If you are having trouble identifying what that is, then let's talk. I can help.

Leadership is A Journey

I want you to have a fantastic leadership journey and a life filled with success, abundance, and joy. It doesn't have to be a life filled with frustration and burnout.

Usually what is best for your mental, physical, and emotional health will likely be what's best for your company. Finding the time to unplug and free your mind will pay long-term dividends because you will make better decisions, tap into your unique abilities, and lead your team with renewed energy.

In the end, your legacy as a leader will be defined by the relationships you foster and build with your cohorts, your customers, and your family and friends.

The choice is yours. What leadership legacy do you want to be remembered for?

Until next time!

#Leadership #cpas #ceos #managingpartner #burnout #success

Leading in uncertain and complex times is challenging. What separates good leaders from great ones is the 'inner game' or mindset of leadership. CEO Sensei, former BDO managing partner, and martial arts blackbelt, John Fenton is one of the few who address this critical aspect of leading well. A passionate, experienced, and articulate 'leader of leaders', John's unique methodology brings clarity, pragmatism, and encouragement to today's managing partners, board executives, and CEOs. He is an award-winning speaker, a heart attack survivor, and the author of the bestselling book,?"5 Minute Mastery?, The Surprising Secrets for Transforming Your Stress to Success and Mastering What’s Important."