 Greetings! Most of the CEOs I speak with are feeling some relief, even optimistic and suggest that perhaps they've weathered the recent economic storm. Few are feeling that the shift in climate, however, means smooth sailing. In fact, if you're feeling the emergence of opportunities, you can bet your competition is too.
If you're not improving, expanding or innovating you could find yourself chasing your competition rather than leading your markets. The truth is, growth can be as hazardous to the survival of a company as almost any adversary. Most CEOs recognize that leading growth in good times is much easier than through tough times, but many have learned the hard way that in the past their success has been somewhat accidental, and they are uncertain how to safely lead and manage sustainable growth now that the economy is no longer raging. And according to the economists I listen to, it seems that we are not likely to see a return to the economic conditions we experienced before the Great Recession.
The resources of easy credit and abundant capital have shifted away with the winds of the financial crisis we've endured, and the New Normal in its place requires a new focus on understanding what drives the fiscal engine of the enterprise and what is required to create sustainable growth. For many leaders of small and mid-size companies this is new and unfamiliar ground. The new rules for effective leadership require that the underlying vision, passion and creativity that drive innovation must also be supported by decisions that incorporate an understanding of the principles and systems that are the foundation of durable companies and healthy growth.
Deliberate Leadership is simply the balance of vision with reality. In good times, when things are going well, leading an enterprise can seem relatively easy. A robust economy coupled with easy access to capital makes it possible for even poorly run companies to become successful. Leadership can seemingly operate on 'auto-pilot' to navigate, and on a team of co-pilots to keep moving forward. An abundance of profit can mask the pressures of cash flow, and money left on the table or lost through the cracks is hardly missed. It's good enough to just keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
It's when the currents get rough, or we hit unexpected obstacles that knowing what do and how to correct course is more important than looking ahead and just knowing how to steer. When things are going in the wrong direction, counting on being lucky is hardly a sufficient for plan for survival, much as it true that "hope is not a strategy."
Accidental Success is typically the sum of hard work and good fortune in the absence of deadly adversity. For many it can be described as the fear of the "other shoe dropping" or being an imposter. For others it's the awareness that they are no longer fully in control of where they are going or the speed at which they are moving. And in truth, they often are not.
"It is not enough to do your best; you must (first) know what to do, and THEN do your best."
-W. Edward Deming
The beauty of all this resides in the fact that learning what to watch, how to interpret what you see and how to face the fear of discovering what you don't know - will empower and enable you to become the kind of leader your organization can depend on and the kind of person who can develop leadership in those you lead.
By regaining control and confidence you can embody the balance, connectedness and presence that supports better decisions, opens up to a broader range of possibilities, fosters clearer vision and innovation and drives sustainable success.
As always, wishing you a great and successful week ahead. 
Philip R. Liebman Managing Director, Strat 4 Group Chair, Vistage International P.S. I am pleased to announce that I will be a guest on the radio show "Make Your Move" - with Alan and Brian Beaulieu on April 4th at 4:00 PM. You can tune in weekly to a new radio talk show on the Voice America Talk Radio Network hosted by Alan and Brian every Monday afternoon at 4:00 pm (eastern). Visit www.voiceamerica.com and click on the Business Channel and then click on "shows" or "hosts". You can also call in to the show at 1-866-472-5790.  You can also order a copy of "Make Your Move" on Amazon.com, by clicking here:
http://tinyurl.com/3hgt5yr Be My Guest on April 26th. Glenn Waring will be leading a workshop of Effective Financial Management for CEOs. This is a must-attend program whether you are financially astute - or needing to gain a better understanding of your financials, get better control of your financial reporting, how to work with your accountants or negotiate with your bank. If you curious about the value if being a Vistage Member - this is a perfect opportunity to get a look behind closed doors at what my members experience every month. I have a very limited number of guest opportunities. Please call me right away to determine if you are qualified - and for availability. |
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