One of the most valuable traits that good leaders possess is the determination to stay current with things that are going on around them. As the old saying goes, “There are three kinds of people in the world: those that make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who don’t know anything at all is happening!” A leader who wants to maintain his position and the respect of those he leads does not ever want to suddenly find himself in one of those last two categories. There are a number of ways to stay on top of change and keep current with trends both in business and the world in general. Consider incorporating some of these 6 activities into your daily routines.
1.Newsletters by their very nature contain lots of information on topics of current interest. The articles are generally quite short and very targeted. Try doing an online or library search for newsletters published in your industry and subscribe to the ones that seem most appropriate.
2.Devote some time each day to reading, watching or listening to the news. Depending on your personal schedule, find a format that fits easily into your routine. If you have time for skimming a newspaper over breakfast, then subscribe to one that is reputable and informative. If you have a long commute each day by car, try to find a commercial free, all day news channel on the radio. If your commute is by train or bus, consider an online news program through your mobile device. If all else fails, take a few minutes at work to skim the news headlines on your PC.
3.Watch for seminars, demonstrations or trade shows in your field and plan to attend them whenever possible. Many times these kinds of productions will highlight keynote speakers who have a lot of expertise and experience to share in related fields.
4.Join the national or regional association for your industry if there is one available. Not only will you have access to trade journals, conferences and seminars that may be presented, but you will have the opportunity to spend time with leaders like yourself. Informative discussions and the exchange of information can be invaluable. If there is nothing like this available for your trade, consider joining a local group such as a Business Improvement Association or a Chamber of Commerce. These types of community organizations also provide plenty of peer association and community involvement.
5.Consider expanding your knowledge base by doing something new. Attend a seminar or workshop that will teach a new skill or an alternate way of doing something that you have always done the same way. Effective leaders must be continuous learners. Thinking outside the box is a skill that many times generates the best results.
6.Read new publications as often as you can. Every day someone new will publish a book or write an article relevant to your type of work. Keep a current book or magazine right beside your favorite work of fiction and read a little bit every chance you get.
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