The year 2020 is done. Over. Finished. Completed. Are you just as thankful as I to be moving forward? My grandmother (rest her soul) use to tell me, "Don't rush time, baby. You never know what you are rushing to." Such a wise woman.
Those words have echoed in my mind over the past few weeks especially as I was busy being busy with business development, figuring out how to navigate these new realities, stay encouraged, and most importantly, stay creative for myself and others. Time to move forward
- quickly. A fresh new start. An end to the social struggles I witness. An end to the polarization that has consumed all aspects of living today. The list goes on and on.
However, what am I rushing to? What lies ahead for me, for my family, my community and my business? Am I prepared? What have I learned last year that will serve me well for whatever2021 brings?
It seems almost comical to say, take the time to reflect - when I've been in the house working like all of you with more time on my hands to reflect than I wanted.
I don't have all the answers today. I do know I'm not rushing time. I'm following my grandmother's advice. I'm enjoying each day; learning from each day.
New Year, New Goals
Creating goals sets the course ahead for individuals, teams, and organizations. This process should break down complex strategies into specific measurable, achievable,
realistic and timely.
My advice? Keep it simple, clear, and concise. That way, on day 364, you can easily see all that you have accomplished and smile on day 365!
Continued Commitment
Organizations spent 2020 issuing DEI statements, promising cultural change, attending trainings, and participating in brave space conversations.
Does that describe your efforts? If so, now what? What are you really doing to engage in the spaces of diversity, equity and inclusion?
...And Action
How are you carrying these strategies into the infrastructure of the organization?
How are you shifting from compliance to nurturing inclusion? How might you allocate funds to support DEI efforts and staff? These questions need to be priority in 2021.
Be BOLD.
BOLD RESOURCES
I thought it would be great to highlight a resource that has helped me in my leadership development. It's Harvard Business Review: The Hard Truth About Innovative Cultures (Jan - Feb 2019).
Gary P. Pisano outlines specific characteristics that align with the work of EMBOLDEN Action: collaboration, psychologically safety, strong leadership, and willingness to experiment.
I invite you to check it out. It was a go to piece for me. I hope you find it useful too.
