Purpose
Josh Swing | Collective Conversations
In this episode, I sit down with Josh Swing, a respected expert in the leadership development industry, to discuss the importance of leadership development.
We explore various aspects of the topic, sharing valuable insights, personal experiences, and actionable strategies to help you thrive in business and life.
Drawing from a recent article published on the @wildsparq blog, we take a deep dive into the following key discussion points:
1. Leadership development increases retention
2. Leadership development increases company culture
3. Leadership development increases engagement
Living for the Legacy
Photo by Philip Graves on Unsplash
Living for the legacy is about focusing on the bigger picture beyond our individual lives.
This a tall task in today’s brand YOU culture.
It means considering the impact that we can have on the world and making choices that will leave a positive mark on future generations.
It’s about recognizing that we are all part of a larger story and that our choices will shape that story for years to come.
One of the key elements of living for the legacy is having a sense of purpose.
When we have a clear sense of what we want to achieve, we are better equipped to make decisions to help get there.
This doesn’t necessarily mean we must have grand ambitions, such as becoming a world-renowned inventor or founding a non-profit organization.
Instead, it can be as simple as striving to be a kind and compassionate person who positively impacts those around us.
To live for the legacy, we also need to consider the impact of our actions on future generations.
This means making sustainable and environmentally conscious choices, such as being responsible about our carbon footprint, minimizing waste, and being reasonable when supporting eco-friendly practices.
Another aspect of living for the legacy is investing in the next generation. This means providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and develop their skills through mentorship, education, or volunteering.
By investing in the next generation, we can ensure they have the tools and resources they need to build a better future.
Finally, living for the legacy means recognizing that we are all connected and that our actions have ripple effects that can be felt far beyond our immediate sphere of influence.
By working together and supporting one another, we can build a stronger and more resilient world and leave a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations to do the same.
The Power of a Fresh Perspective
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As a business leader, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations of running a company. We focus on hitting targets, meeting deadlines, and ensuring everything run smoothly. And we shut people down by not keeping an open mind.
But what happens when things aren’t going as planned?
This is when a fresh perspective can be invaluable. A new point of view can help you see things in a different light and give you the insight you need to make important decisions. Using phrases like “tell me more” or “huh, I hadn’t thought about it that way” keeps the discussion open and moving.
Talk to your team members, prospects, residents, vendor partners, and competitors. Ask them for their thoughts on your business and how it could be improved. You may be surprised by what you learn.
Another way to gain a fresh perspective is to step back and take a look at the bigger picture. Instead of getting caught up in the details, try to see the forest for the trees. Ask yourself what the long-term goals of your business are and how you can work towards them. What is the why of our business? Why do we exist?
Finally, don’t be afraid to challenge your assumptions. Or kill the sacred cows. We all have a tendency to hold on to certain beliefs, even when they’re no longer true.
Be open to new ideas and be willing to change your mind.
“Huh, I hadn’t thought about it that way” is a phrase you should remember as a business leader. It’s a reminder to be open to new ideas and always look for ways to improve your business. You can navigate the most demanding challenges and achieve your long-term goals with a fresh perspective.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Path to Greatness
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Self-doubt can be a major obstacle to achieving all we want to see and do in the world. It can cause us to question our skills and abilities. It can hold us back from taking action and ultimately prevent us from living a fulfilling life. However, overcoming self-doubt and staying confident is achievable with a few simple strategies.
- Identify the source of your self-doubt. Self-doubt can stem from various sources, such as past experiences, negative self-talk, or a lack of confidence in your abilities. This will likely be some of the hardest work you ever do. And it might require professional help. Don’t be afraid to ask; it will make all the difference. Because once you understand the source of your self-doubt, you can begin to work on addressing it.
- Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. Negative thoughts can be compelling and spiral out of control if left unchecked. When you think negatively, take a step back and challenge the thought. Ask yourself if it is true; replace it with a positive belief or thought.
- Practice self-compassion. Being kind and understanding towards yourself is vital to building confidence and overcoming self-doubt. Instead of being hard on yourself, try to be compassionate and understanding. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that it is okay not to be perfect. We are all broken in some way.
- Take action. One of the best ways to overcome self-doubt is to take action. Even if you don’t feel completely confident, taking small steps towards your goal can help to build momentum and confidence. Develop a bias for action.
- Surround yourself with positive people. This is the linchpin. The people you surround yourself with can significantly impact your confidence and self-doubt. Try to surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people who believe in your abilities. And eject the toxic relationships as tough as they might be.
- Celebrate your successes. No matter how small they may be, it is important to celebrate your successes. This will help you to recognize your progress and build confidence in your abilities.
The Power of Striving in Earnest
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“The universe is happy to reward those who strive in earnest.” -Daniel Zoller, Author of Startacular
As leaders, it is our job to inspire and guide those around us to reach their full potential. One way to do this is by setting an example of hard work and determination. In other words, we must strive earnestly to achieve our goals and positively impact the world.
But why is it important to strive in earnest? Because the universe is happy to reward those who do. This may sound vague or even metaphysical, but it holds accurate repeatedly. When we put in the effort and dedication required to make our dreams a reality, the universe often responds by providing us with the resources and opportunities we need to succeed.
This is not to say that achieving our goals will always be easy or that the universe will hand us everything we want. But by consistently striving towards our goals with a sincere and unwavering commitment, we can create the conditions that make success more likely.
As leaders, let us remember the words of Daniel Zoller and always strive in earnest. Not only will it help us achieve our own goals, but it will also inspire those around us to do the same. By leading by example and showing that hard work and determination can lead to great rewards, we can create a culture of excellence within our organizations.
