Lukasz's Blog

Resolutions for 2014

I don’t usually do New Year’s Resolutions however I’ve spent quite a bit of time on professional and personal development in the past year and it felt right to set up some resolutions for the year to come. My resolutions for 2014 are, in no particular order:

• Stretch myself and think big - I feel like I played it ‘safe’ in 2013, especially on the professional front. In the coming year I will ensure my goals stretch me and take every opportunity to grow. I want 2014 to be a high performance year. CxO roles these days are synonymous with innovation - it will be a core focal point in the coming year. I’m committed to continuing to invest in my  continuing education

• Value each day and don’t worry about things I can’t change - time is scarce and each day brings with it huge potential both on the professional and personal front. I will strive to be more 'in the moment’ in all respects and make the most of each day. I think the concept of work/life balance is dated; it’s about how you integrate the two. Last year I didn’t succeed at getting it right and this year I will ensure I make enough time for family and friends.

• Demonstrate better leadership and be more thoughtful - there’s a difference between running and leading. I feel like I spent too much time 'running things’ last year than providing leadership. In 2014 I want to focus on providing thought leadership and enabling the success of those around me. Being thoughtful is one of the most important ways to develop relationships. It shows others you notice and appreciate the part they play in the organisation’s success.

• Increase my Emotional Intelligence - I’ve been fortunate to acquire a unique set of skills and knowledge - across different geographies, industries and organisations - but haven’t always spent enough time on the ability to identify, assess, and control the emotions of myself, of others, and of groups (also known as Emotional Intelligence). I’ve read extensively on the subject; 2014 is the year for putting it all into practice.

• Spend more time with customers - it’s so easy to fill the days with endless meetings and internal commitments. I will set aside fixed time blocks in my diary to meet, and develop quality relationships, with customers and stakeholders. I will also be more ruthless in terms of meeting organisation - each meeting needs to have a clear purpose and desired outcome stated upfront.

• Learn and use more industry/customer speak - learning to speak the language of the customers will allow me to establish richer relationships with stakeholders. This is joined at the hip to the previous resolution.

• Continue to hone my communication skills - decades after the knowledge age made tradition top-down communications ineffective we still have most many managers doing it and thinking they are communicating. I was fortune enough to learn about communications from someone who had been enlightened (it was during the early part of my career) and was the most effective communicator I’ve ever met. In 2014 I will be refreshing and growing on what I have learned and experienced.

• Grow and invest in my networks - strong networks foster strong thinking & practices. The best way to learn is from those who have done it before so you can use that information to develop yourself and your organisation. Upon review I’ve realised that I have significantly under-invested in terms of my networks. Time is scarce however I need to set aside time to shape my networks to effectively learn from - and give back to - others.

• Exercise daily and eat better - my physical state directly relates to my overall efficiency and effectiveness. If 2014 is going to be a high performance year then I need to be fighting fit.

• Take things more lightly, Inject more fun into every day and smile more - I have been told I can be 'intense’ at times. I’m ambitious and driven and there’s nothing wrong with that however I need to see situations for what they are and learn to take some things more lightly.  I will do at least one small thing each day to bring fun back into work. I resolve to really deliver happiness in everything I do with my organisation, my family and my life in general.

It’s a lengthy list but the next year will be one of action and focus on my part. Countless studies have shown that agreements and resolutions made in a public forum are far more likely to be effective, so here are my public declarations for 2014 - it’s going to be the best year yet!

Happy New Year and bring on 2014!