Leaders Must Proactively Anticipate

You are not a leader simply because you hold some title or position, or ascend to some position of power and authority. True leaders always plan ahead and determine needs, not only in the present, but in the future as well. They realize that their actions, or lack of taking actions ultimately have ramifications, and they are prepared for these by anticipate needs and necessities, and doing so before there is a crisis or are forced to take action. They participate and anticipate proactively. The hockey legend, the great Wayne Gretzky worded it this way, "Skate to where the puck is going, not where it is." When this is adapted for leadership, it is important not only to anticipate where things are going instead of where they are, but even more so to not become overly fixated by where they may have been in the past.

1. Things change, and when someone in leadership is unwilling or unable to adapt, or in some cases to even understand that change is to be expected, welcomed and planned for, an organization will ultimately suffer often dire circumstances. Every leader not only needs a dream directed, vision led, set of goals and priorities, but he needs an action plan. This plan must not be simply one way to do something, but must examine alternatives, set priorities and preferences, understand how to evaluate progress made, never be intimidated by the inevitable road blocks and obstacles, and create a series of plans. These plans should be prioritized and all should aim toward the same goals and results, and not be satisfied with under- achievement. While it is both acceptable and logical that a leader would have a prioritized and preferred course of action, her must always have back- up or contingency plans. Leaders must commit to accept the Boy Scouts, "Be prepared," philosophy, and never be overwhelmed by an obstacle or challenge that may come up. Planning is a process and only through commitment to that process, can someone be ready regardless of circumstances.

2. In addition to having consulted and trained leaders for over thirty years, I have also been intimately involved in the preparation and planning of hundreds of events during that over three decade period. Often, the difference between a great event and a mediocre, run of the mill (or worse) one, is the level and degree of planning. When it comes to planning and organizing events, event planners must not only have back up plans, but contingencies for the contingencies. I have so stressed that issue, that a hotel food and beverage/ group department gave me an engraved flask, that read, "The Ultimate Back- up Plan."

True leaders proactively plan and anticipate. They look positively and hope for the best results, but are prepared to use different methods or approaches to achieve the ultimate goal (effectiveness and greatness) by always anticipating, so as to dramatically reduce the negative impact of any scenario that may come forth.