Trends and Truths: Leadership Implications for Executives

This post brings to light significant executive leadership implications. As we address each “trend and truth,” we’ll leave it to you, our accomplished and intelligent readers, to decide how they apply to your specific situation.

Mammon vs. Chicken Little

The phrase “Stay alive until ’05,” coined during the last recession, will soon give way to “Let’s get rich in ’06.” From what we’ve observed over the last two quarters, this mindset is beginning to take hold. The only potential barrier is the Chicken Little mentality, where some remain convinced that the economy is falling apart, despite evidence to the contrary. Incredibly, polls show that 43 percent of the public believes the economy is in recession, up from 36 percent last year during the presidential campaign. Here’s the message: Business leaders, step up and show confidence. Simply rolling over for your own selfish interests is no longer an option.

Stay Ahead of the Money

Massive amounts of capital, particularly cash from corporate income sheets and private investors, will continue to be deployed at rapid rates across new markets, some of which were previously thought to be untapped. Expect relatively unknown enterprises to step out and make a major impact in the coming year. Those who stay ahead of the money—rather than following it—will gain a competitive advantage.

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

The adage “Go where the business is” will become more relevant than ever. Stable, long-term business sources will continue to make way for reinvention. Volatility and rapid change aren’t going away anytime soon.

The Corner Office Myth

In a recent profile titled, “The Corner Office,” The New York Times discussed how major corporate leaders are no longer just products of elite universities and institutions. While this is a valid point, the premise is flawed. If you come across a CEO who hides in a corner office, report them to the nearest governance authority. These leaders may not be real and might be missing the bigger point: The position isn’t about them—it’s about unlocking the potential of others to achieve great things. This applies to those who purport to serve these leaders but fail to do so in practice. Those who still cling to the Corner Office notion are the same individuals who believe there’s a “seat at the table” waiting for them one day.

A Call to Expand Your Universe

Lastly, for those who lack the courage to adopt a stance on issues beyond the ones immediately in front of them, it’s time to expand your perspective. Your constituencies are tired of platitudes, slang, clichés, B-school jargon, and other self-serving nonsense that doesn’t offer new insights. Heed the call: leave your comfort zone. It’s time to lead in an authentic and genuine way.