The Ten Keys to Going to the Next Level as a Leader
What is the key to going to the next level as a leader? What is standing in your way?
— Rick Warren
Key #1: Go for big accomplishments
Don’t be an affirmation junky who gets thrills from small work. Focus your energy and time on important work that matters the most.
Key #2: Define success
What will a successful year look like? How do you define success? What will you do to achieve it?
Key #3: Reach your potential by stripping away small trivial pursuits
Create a “things not to do” list. Only do things that will drive your potential to the next level.
Key #4: Map a personal development plan
With the assistance of a leadership coach or mentor, map out a plan for your personal growth. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What will your leadership brand look like?
- What are two developing skills you will work on?
- What are your personal and professional goals?
- What are your “must-haves”?
Key #5: Don’t dabble, focus
Each year, I choose a word or phrase to describe my years theme. This year’s theme is “hyper-focus.”
Key #6: Trade more for best
Go for quality not quantity. Reduce clutter, break the cycle of the “more mentality,” and look for quality experiences (like carving out time for your family and loved one).
Key #7: Be the standard of excellence
People don’t pay high dollar for average. Give your best, your all, your 100% excellence every single day.
Key #8: Invest in your team
Put more time into your team and you’ll multiply your work. Leaders who gather employees add to what they can accomplish. Leaders who develop teams and leaders multiply their ability.
Key #9: Go on a two-hour retreat
In battle, Commanders often say, “Retreat so we can attack in a new direction.” Thinking time is your greatest asset, a two-hour retreat to regather your focus and energy.
Key #10: Seek wisdom from great literature
Timeless truths, spiritual insights, and inspiring thoughts — read to lead at your best. Let’s think quality over quantity.
Here’s to your next level leadership!
—Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.
A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
