Mitchell Phoenix - Leadership and Management Training

“Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat

Please put a penny in the old man's hat

If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do

If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God bless you!”

The holiday season is upon us and it's a time for good cheer. People have worked hard in 2011 during some of the toughest economic conditions in history. Despite all the endeavour, how many businesses have a ha’penny to show for it?

Leadership is only needed when times are tough and the main challenge in a period of uncertainty is to stay connected with strategy. Difficult market conditions easily send companies into reactive mode. In an HBR article from 2008, “Can you say what your strategy is?”, its findings revealed that most executives cannot articulate the objective, scope, and advantage of their business in a simple statement. How can anyone lead with purpose without a concrete fix on the future?

Communicating strategy and vision is the number one communication priority for leaders. Every decision and action should come from them and relate back to them. Context and reference to high level guidelines make a substantial difference to people’s ability to deal with pressure and change. Too many businesses have lofty statements and aspirations for the future that leave too wide a gap in communicating what is meant at a functional and personal level. Competitive difference comes from the precision of an organization’s thinking through an empowered workforce absolutely clear of its purpose.

While 2012 will be equally challenging for business, the opportunity for leaders to boost confidence and strengthen resolve lies in engaging the organization in articulating core focus beyond cost saving and preserving margins. The challenge is to transform prudent management practice into future focused, growth oriented, creative precision thinking. This will involve every level of an organisation becoming more connected with their customers and their raison d’etre.

The process of reconnecting with purpose is hugely satisfying and rewarding for all involved. A great way to kick off the New Year.

If we didn’t have a ha’penny this year then as Tiny Tim said, "God bless us every one!" Here’s to having a penny to put into the old man’s hat next Christmas. Happy Holidays to all.