A Leader's Top 10 To Do's -- Courtesy of Tom Peters

Every once in awhile, I come across something in a book that just bears quoting. Tom Peters is one of my favorite authors, and I am rereading his material as we begin the strategic planning process at G2.  I came across this list in his book Tom Peters Essentials-Leadership that I wanted to share:

1.  Say...Make "I don't know" a central strategic part of your leadership lexicon.  Uncertainty is here to stay.  Acknowledging it is a Show of Strength.

2. See...Keep your inner eye on the Great Possibilities that lie beyond - nay:within-the uncertainty all around you.  Be (per Napoleon) a "dealer in hope."

3.  Do...Become an Action Figure.  Life is too short -- business life is too chaotic -- to "get it right" first.  When in doubt (especially when in doubt!)...DO SOMETHING!

4.  Fail...Accept mistakes as the price of Greatness.  Post a sign in your office that says "REWARD EXCELLENT FAILURES.  PUNISH MEDIOCRE SUCCESSES"  -- and keep it always in view.

5.  Weave...Remember that bringing people together -- not ordering them about -- is Job One for all leaders in our Disruptive Age.

6.  Plan...Tend to your Legacy by making specific arrangements for people to succeed you.  Mantra: Mentor, mentor, mentor!

7.  Act... Cultivate the Art of Leadership--in particular, the Art of Performance.  Leading well is a Confidence Game of the Highest Sort.  So...Act the Part.

8.  Prune...Clear away the mass of clutter that undermines your Sense of Focus.  Create a To-Don't list, add stuff to it regularly, and "follow" it religiously.

9.  Chill...Know when to take a break.  When colleagues ever-so-carefully warn you against burnout, listen to them.  Schedule regular vacations (long ones--not a three-day weekend here or there), and keep to that schedule.

10.  Love... Laugh, smile, and (in every way possible) express your Passion for What You Do.

I know I personally need to work on these "Top 10s."  It's a continuous struggle to get better.  But leadership is a passion, as I feel it should be for any "manager."

Fewer

Focused

Faster