What’s Your Leadership Mixed Tape for 2016?
Do you remember Mixed Tapes? Perhaps you do not want to admit it? But I know you do. For those who are younger, no I am not talking about a Playlist: drag and drop.
No, a Mixed Tape meant something. Whole relationships were judged on song selection and the meaning behind them. Did he or she like me? Is it over? Is it love?
Why did a Mixed Tape mean so much? That’s simple: it took time. Lots of time. Hours to record all those songs (Press Play and Record) and line up the songs. Hours spent to make the right mix.
Your Leadership Story is no different. Just like a Mixed Tape it is a recording of your high and lows in your career, life and learning. It has taken a lifetime to assemble, edit and record. You have probably play it or certain tracks again and again. Rewinding every time. Finding the best pieces.
But with 2016 around the corner, it is a great chance to play the entire tape. Both sides. Even the unplayed “B” sides.
Ask yourself, does your leadership story — the story you tell about yourself — elevate you or hinder you? After all, your story is pivotal to your future success.
How you interpret past events determines how you will embrace or resist the challenges of 2016. How we act and react in the present is often controlled by past experiences imposing themselves in the moment. Your leadership story of the past has the power imprinted on today: good or bad.
For any leader, growth must be an ambition. Replaying an old song hoping for a new melody is recipe to be struck in the same chorus. At this reflective time of year, thinking about your leadership stories and supporting beliefs, as a series of songs on Mixed Tape gives you back the power of editor.
Ask yourself, “do these ‘songs’ empower me?” Are your stories about your successes and results? Great if they are. But if your tape is caught up in missed opportunities or disappointments and they inhibit you from achieving your goals, then the solution is simple. I suggest you hit “Rewind” and press “Play/Record” to erase and re-record over a limiting story. It is time to record a new song that fits with your dreams, goals and ambitions for 2016. Let us not forget, your story is your leadership sound track.
About the Author
Simon Trevarthen is Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Elevate Your Greatness (EYG). EYG helps individuals, teams and organizations unpack the secrets of success by becoming even better versions of themselves through dynamic keynotes, seminars and workshops on innovation, inspiration and presentation excellence.
To learn more about Elevate Your Greatness see www.elevateyourgreatness.com
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