Five ways to be a better leader in 2020

Are you looking for that golden nugget to become a better leader within your business or organisation? Here, Dana Lightbody, CEO of The Leadership Institute, shares her top five ways to achieve just that in 2020, no matter what stage of the journey you’re at. 

Leadership isn’t something that you’re born with, it’s a learnt skill that needs constant nurturing and development throughout your life and career. 

Combine this with the fast-paced, technologically advanced world we live in – where there seems to be a new gadget, app or way of doing things every day – and it can become very overwhelming. 

It’s time to get back to the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) way of doing things and put a plan together for your leadership journey in 2020. The key thing is to make sure it’s realistic and something you will stick too. 

Here are my top five ways to be a better leader in 2020 and KISS:

1. Create an executive toolkit

Start with your values and write them down, this will give you a way to measure yourself against the qualities of your “ideal leader”. 

Knowing who you are and what you stand for will assist your team in measuring themselves in a positive way, leading them to feel valued, and as a by-product, even more motivated. 

2. Allocate time

Block out time in your calendar and schedule the events and training sessions you want to attend throughout the year. If you schedule it in advance, you’re more likely to attend and follow through. 

3. Get educated

Book in formal training, internally or externally and make time to attend it. Conferences for straight-from-the-source learning, deconstructed university courses, or one day industry focused trainings – whatever it is, make time for it. 

Compile a selection of books to read throughout the year, if reading is not your thing – try an audiobook on the way to work. I’d start with my favourite business author Brené Brown and aim for one per month. 

4. Engage a mentor or sponsor

You’d be surprised how many experienced CEO’s, entrepreneurs and educators are looking to mentor or sponsor upcoming talent. Simply make a list of the people who inspire you and reach out. 

5. Network

Attend networking events! You should find that a lot of courses and summits include a networking session at the end of the first day. Plan to stay for the duration, and although it’s like speed dating, you never know who you might meet or what opportunity might arise. 

I truly believe that what got you here, won’t get you there. So, don’t be complacent and think that where you’re at right now is good enough, because sadly that’s when you get left behind. 

Chase the desire to be best in practice and be open to learning from others to stay ahead of the game.