Here are my final words of advice in 2015 that can help you grow personally and professionally next year in NEW, BOLD ways.

First, answer these questions:

1. Do others do and/or say foolish things?
2. Do others not communicate clearly?
3. Do others lack passion part or all of the time?
4. Do others fail to set clear, measurable objectives?
5. Do others lack focus so they take on too much and the quality of their work is suffering as a result?
6. Do others fail to balance their time so they are less productive than they could be?
7. Do others fail to follow-up and follow-through as promised?
8. Do others not appreciate your contributions enough?
9. Do others fail to meet your expectations?
10. Do others not fully consider what you have to say?

If you want to make next year your best year, then be a better role model.  That will improve all of your answers above.

How to be a better role model

Think.  Think before you act.  Really.  You'd be surprised how often I speak with people about mistakes they made because they reacted to a situation without pausing to consider a better approach.

Adapt.  Consider the core behavioral style of the other person or people to whom you are communicating and adapt your communication style more to their preference.  Appeal to them.  Consider the core motivators of the other person or people to whom you are communicating, and appeal to their interests more than yours.  It will improve your success when negotiating AND the overall mood of every communication.

TARGET.  Set objectives as a clear, measurable T.A.R.G.E.T.:  To - Action Verb - Realistic Goal - Effective measurement - Time bound.  For instance, (To) Close $1M in managed services revenue by December 31 (2016).  At the very least, setting goals allows you to gauge your ability to forecast.  It will give you a target to reach for and a benchmark with which to measure yourself and your company.

Focus.  Learn to say "no" to work that does not relate to your core strengths so you can achieve more, and with higher quality, by focusing on less.

Balance.  Schedule your days realistically with a blend of open time, breaks for refreshment, stretching and clearing your mind, uninterrupted work time, and time to interact with others.

Reliable.  Always follow-up and follow-through as promised.  At the very least, make sure you follow-up once to request more time.  People are relying on you to get work done and they deserve to know the status of your project.

Grateful.  Sincerely appreciate people in the ways they want to be appreciated and do it often.  This is one of the most important pieces of advices I can give.  Gratitude, especially when communicated to another person, is beneficial to the person giving praise AND to the person who is praised.  Be grateful, and let your people know it.

Trustworthy.  Avoid assumptions by clearly defining expectations with others before you commit to action.  Most of the time brief statements are the best way to avoid misunderstandings and disappointments.  Then meet or exceed their expectations.

Comprehend.  When others talk, think of the situation from their perspective, not just their words.  Fully consider what is being said.

Being a role model is one of the toughest challenges for leaders.  We are in the spotlight all the time.  People hold us to higher standards than what they demand of themselves.  So I encourage you to "fix" yourself first and you will see improvement all around you professionally and personally.

I have seen this confirmed by many of my Clients.  Be the leader you want to be and good things will follow.

We can help!

Our next Certified Leader group starts the week of January 11.  This is our most popular program for service managers and other leaders who are in management positions, but need training and/or want to improve.  Use coupon code CL-15 to save $500 through December 28.

Our Talent Assessments are also part of that year-end sale, and several other services. Email us for the coupon codes if you need them.

Have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!

Laugh until you cry.  Dance like no one is looking.  Be empathetic for those whose lives do not match their dreams.  Be thankful.  We are sincerely thankful for you.

There is a new year ahead.  Let's make it our best.