The leader in me
OVER the past few weeks, I have been exploring a number of habits which can help you be the best you can be.
These have been based on the book by Stephen Covey, The Seven Habits of Effective People.
Last week my focus was on the extra habit that was added later – find your voice. From effectiveness to greatness.
In this last article of the series, I will remind you of the seven habits and of one or two key messages.
Firstly, a few words about habits.
These are things we do repeatedly, and most of the time we are hardly aware we have them.
It is estimated that more than 40 per cent of the actions people perform each day are not actual decisions but habits.
Because habits are done frequently and automatically, they are difficult to stop.
Most people think of behaviours when they think of habits — smoking, drinking, eating.
Thoughts can also become habits.
Negative self-talk, where you keep telling yourself that you are no good, you are too young, too old, not bright enough, too poor, quickly becomes a strong habit.
Culture is a set of habits and to change our culture we have to change our habits.
If we wait for others to do it, it will never happen. Remember, what you do has a far greater impact than what you say.
Stephen Covey said if you really want to improve your situation you should work on the one thing you have control over — yourself.
Here are the seven habits again:
■ Be proactive — do not wait for things to happen to you; take control of your life! Don’t approach life’s challenges by being “reactive”. Be proactive. Prepare for the possibilities before they arrive.
■ Begin with the end in mind — be clear about your vision, your destination, where you are heading. To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you are going so that you better understand where you are now so that the steps you take are always in the right direction.
■ Put first things first — then decide on the first step. Small steps but always moving forward. Remember, you will always have time for the things you put first!
■ Think win win — helping each other win makes us all stronger. The law of win win means let’s not do it my way or your way; let’s do it the best way. Strong people do not put others down; they lift them up.
■ Seek first to understand, then to be understood — you have two ears and one mouth for a reason. you need to listen at least twice as much as you talk!
■ Synergise — two heads are always better than one! By working together you will achieve more. Remember, if you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk together.
■ Sharpen the saw — invest in your most important asset, you! You are the most important tool in your toolbox. You must take time to keep it in good condition.
And do not forget the eight habit — Find Your Voice — and move from effectiveness to greatness.
If you feel that you are not strong enough to let your voice be heard, start with a whisper.
Your voice will come. Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.
These habits relate to all aspects of your lives — your home, your relationships, your community, your job, your business, your society, your church, your political systems.
Just imagine what your world could be like if you live up to all these habits all the time.
Year 2020 was a tough year for most people and 2021 is no less tough.
These habits may not make life less tough, but they will help you on your journey. The more effective you can be in your own life the more help you will be to those around you.
I am struck by the numbers of young Pacific Islanders who are beginning to shape their own futures.
Innovative ideas are turning into business ideas which may well become sustainable and profitable businesses.
Even if these businesses do not succeed, the experiences gained in ther process will be of enormous value in the future.
Young Pacific Islanders finding their voices and being proactive will challenge those among you who do not want to let go and move on.
Remember, you can learn great things from your mistakes when you are not busy denying them.
As always, please contact me if you have an interesting story to tell and are happy for it to be told.
A new series will be along soon.
■ Breadfruit Consulting (www.breadfruitconsulting. com) is a Vanuatu-based business providing advice, training, coaching, and mentoring to businesses throughout the Pacific islands. Breadfruit specialises in a range of business development activities including “business continuity planning and action”, helping businesses to survive in a crisis, designing and starting new, sustainable businesses. Contact chris@breadfruitconsulting.com or hazel@breadfruitconsulting.com