- They’re either the founder or one generation from the founder of the business.
- They’re passionate and committed to their business and to the founder or their successors.
- They have been successful.
- They are competitive, yet respectful.
What has changed in their business? From our perspective the profound screw ups with world and national business leaders and politicians have created a situation which is adversely affecting the income streams of most businesses.
These good guys are Baby Boomers. 55- 63 yrs old and weren’t expecting to feel these struggles toward the end of their careers. Uncover these 5 secret next steps in their journey.
1. Don’t feel alone.
Welcome to my world. This isn’t about you, at least yet. You’ve guided the organization to successes beyond you might have imagined. Your boss or boards might even have taken your unique skills and leadership for granted. Toughen up…there is hope. But how you chose to adjust and respond will determine how the organization evolves or withers.
2. You may have all the core values needed… be clear what they are.
OK, things like honesty, hard work, integrity are pre requisites.
Write down the cycles your organization has gone through. Crisis, growth, unraveling and renewal. When were they, what was happening, how did you respond, how did customers and employees respond. You are unique, you’ve lead this organization to success before. Identify the patterns of your path. What worked and what didn’t?
3. You may have to adjust your beliefs.
If you’re a baby boomer your generation has a unique set of values and beliefs created during your formative years. Each generation does. Your dad did and your kids do. Boomers generally believed they would work for the same company, were loyal like their parents, and believed you needed to move up the “ladder” as your career evolved. If these are your values, they are far different for the Generation X and Generation Y. If you have these generations as employees or customers, you will be well served to “understand their beliefs”.
If you’re going to get through this income slump, you may have to adjust how you engage work with the other generations.
4. Think of a person out of shape and needs to lose 20# and exercise.
You know you’ll need to change diet, your eating habits, and practice running. You may even feel some pain. But, if you adjust a bit, every day, with a plan, step by step you will lose weight and get into shape. The parallel to your leadership skills at this moment in time, are similar.
5. Decide what you want your legacy to be.
Is this how you’d like to wind down your career? Or would you love to kick butt, restore energy and growth in the company? If yes, its your time. Find a trusted resource, a friend, a colleague or even a coach. Its your choice… do it sooner rather than later.
Do you want to learn more about leading? Download our brand new free eBook Three Elegant Strategies for Your Organizations Survival Elegant Courage
We’ve tackled big issues and big challenges and have been involved in just about every important phase of business. http://lighthouse-leadership.com
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