10 Leadership Questions for 2010

Even though the last year or two were difficult for many businesses, it’s time to start fresh with a new one. You need to think about what can be done differently and the “10 for ‘010 10 Smart Leadership Questions for 2010” from businessknowhow.com provides some questions to help you out:

1.What matters most?
Work with your co-workers and clarify your priorities for this year. Find ways to stay focused on the priorities.
2.What is one “problem” you can turn into an opportunity?
Look for opportunities in your issues and apply past success strategies to them.
3.What do employees need to hear from you?
Think from your employees’ point of view – if they don’t feel understood they won’t listen to you. Be careful about the messages you send people/
4.What is your customers’ greatest pain?
Be relentless about knowing and meeting that need. Skip surveys and pick up the phone to call your customers. Listen and understand them first, then worry about offering solutions.
5.What new business relationships will I pursue?
New opportunities come from new relationships. Inside and outside your industry, seek out opportunities where there is potential for mutual benefit, not just “what’s in it for me?”
6.How will I be more strategic?
Get serious about setting a direction and start with a big picture view of the possibilities. Resist the urge to discuss and deal with tactics until you know what you want to accomplish.
7.How can I make swift, yet smart decisions?
You can’t afford to overanalyze. Take your time during the planning process so you can make a faster and better choice later.
8.What leadership skill can and should I get better at?
Pick the leadership quality that needs the most attention – listening, coaching, or problem solving, and commit to improvement. Small changes can make a big difference.
9.How will you recognize success?
You won’t know if the business is on the right path if you haven’t determined indicators or a way to measure it.
10.What is your biggest fear and how will you face it?
Name it and deal with it. Don’t try to avoid it; that could end badly for you and your company.