Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.
« WARREN G. BENNIS
Leadership style and ability have come into question a great deal lately—most obviously on the national front, but even in the fishbowl that is our industry. For the most part, this year’s political battles have maintained a positive attitude without too much in the way of negative punches being thrown. Niceties notwithstanding, the Democratic presidential hopefuls continue to duke it out over who has more experience, who is tougher, smarter, more charismatic, ethical, and even whose moral fiber is woven more tightly. While all these elements are essential qualities in a leader’s success, they by no means complete the picture. The keys to leadership skill will prove to be: a well conceived unifying vision; the strength and foresight to carry it out; and (lest we forget) a little bit of luck. The promotional products industry has and will continue to see its share of emerging leaders and, unfortunately, those whose vision has fallen short or will, in time. During this era of economic uncertainty (when luck seems to be a particularly tall order), whether you’re a one-man operation or a multimillion dollar company, it is more important than ever to continue to focus on your well-conceived plan, without being sidetracked. Your success relies on it.
