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New Year's Resolutions: How do you keep the music playing? PDF Print E-mail

Kevin,

I run a medium-sized media magazine, and we're always great about starting off the new year strong, especially when all of the resolutions are fresh and the year seems like an exciting and totally clean slate.

How can I, as the CEO, make sure that we keep our new year's momentum going all year long?

Happy 2011!

Carl Wilson
Lafayette, CA

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Happy New Year, Carl.

Thanks for your note about making solid New Year's Resolutions.

I look at New Year’s Day as a time to take inventory of myself and of those things that are really important to me in both my personal and business lives. From your email, I’m assuming that you welcome in the new year in a similar way.

It is a great time to recommit yourself and your business to your purpose and core values  and to take the time to review them with those that are important. As important as recommitting and reviewing are, it is imperative that we take the time to make any necessary changes to our purpose and core values, so as to stay relevant going forward.

Next, hold yourself accountable for those things that you want to see change . These can be personal goals or any necessary tactical changes that will impact your business’ results for 2011. Use a weekly or monthly tracking tool for yourself, and take time before each week and month starts to make an honest accessment of your results. Remember not to confuse activities with results.

Finally, share your 2011 purpose, values and tactics with those that matter. This could be family, close friends or your team.

The key that I have found when people ask "How do you keep the music playing" with New Year’s Resolutions or business plans is accountability and communication.  Whatever the targets are, your ability to execute at an extraordinary level will be based on your level of accountability to yourself and your team.

Happy new year to you and your family. Here's to 2011 being the best year ever!  

Peace.

Live strong,
kevin e. dunn
 
Humbly handling the holidays PDF Print E-mail

Kevin,

It's the holidays, and, in these tough economic times, I've been hashing around the idea of cancelling our annual office holiday party. Do you think office holiday parties and holiday bonuses are appropriate, considering the current state of the economy? Are they necessary to the morale and image of a company?

Happy Holidays,
Tim
Bellmore, NY

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Cousin Eddie and Frank Shirley

Cousin Eddie from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” getting revenge on Clark Griswold’s boss, who cancelled all Christmas bonuses without warning!

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Dear Tim,

Thanks for your note on a topic many executives struggle with, especially during the tough economic markets that we are going through now. After thinking it over, I think the real question here is: how do I manage to celebrate our milestones as a company while knowing that, at the same time, many are suffering in this economy?

As the leader of your organization, you must look ahead to the challenges that face you and stand in the way of achieving your 2014 roadmap targets. Inspiring talent is a core responsibility of yours as president and, especially in the toughest times, you must show leadership

So, yes, I would have the holiday party, but in a scaled-back way. But I would not scale back on your comments at the party. It’s important to step out front as the leader and acknowledge just how much you appreciate the contributions your team has made in 2010. Finally, the biggest part of your "toast" should be focused on 2011, as you re-invent your brand and challenge your team individually to improve their leadership capabilities in this new market that we operate in today and tomorrow.

We wish you a Happy Holiday and the best New Year for 2011!

Live strong,

Kevin E. Dunn
 
Blog PDF Print E-mail

Customers and clients of mine often call or email me with business or leadership questions. I thought I'd share some of those questions and my responses with everyone in the blogosphere. Hope you enjoy, and please feel free to submit questions of your own!
 
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