The challenges and complexities of 2020 have been a good reminder that future outlooks can change dramatically with unforeseen situations. The same is true for many of our annual goals, the things we plan to do more or less of, and the outcomes we want to achieve.
We can, however, control our aspirations and commitments. If unexpected circumstances arise, we can still stay true to those commitments, even as we make necessary adjustments to the way we work. We can still find ways to better the world in line with our belief systems and values.
As a thought leadership strategist for financial services and fintech clients, here’s my list of things I want to commit to making and doing better.
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- Greater willingness to lead with ideas and insights
- Fewer personal and organizational barriers to the production and publication of thought leadership
- Helping people amplify their voices
- Promoting the value of communication as sharing and connecting rather than broadcasting
- Cultivating the love of just the right word, just the right turn of phrase
- Bringing clarity and simplicity to even the most complex topics
- Recognizing that data only has meaning with context
- Writing for human readers rather than algorithms
- Uncompromising respect for the value of people’s time and attention
- Trusting in people’s intelligence and best intentions
- Driving towards better and better every time
- More inclusiveness of diverse perspectives and points of view
- Remembering that there’s always more to the story
- Maintaining clarity on collaboration norms, roles, decision-making, and decision authority
- Dismantling the systems and processes that lead to “lowest common denominator” outcomes
- Taking so-called best practices with a large grain of salt
- Readiness to point out the emperor’s new clothes when necessary
- Never settling for cheap, easy, or convenient
- Continually seeking out new information and opportunities to learn
- Living my values in all things
- Kindness, kindness, kindness
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What’s on your list?
