A New Year in Which to Lead

Here it is: 2022. We have arrived. After the tumultuousness of the past 5 years, and in particular the past 2 years, we are all looking for some hope as we enter this new year. Hence, we are all seeing more “new year, new you” comments than ever before. But instead of reinventing oneself, perhaps it’s time we reinvent how the C-suite and business owners lead with grace.

Enter: The Five Graces, a recent article featured in Chief Executive Magazine by Gary D. Burnison. Mr. Burnison defines grace as the goodwill of human nature predisposed to helping others. In his inspiring and insightful article he describes five qualities of a leader: gratitude, resilience, aspiration, courage and empathy. To truly be a grounded and influential leader, one must embody all of these. Take a few minutes to read this brief article and use this opportunity to realign your priorities for the new year.

The Science Behind Risk-Taking

The role of leadership demands an ability and willingness to take risks, which is one reason that leaders are relatively scarce.  Much research has documented that humans are risk averse; a trait that had significant survival value in the dangers we faced in the early history of our species.  That aversion may not be helping you and yours in what is now a very different world.

Research has shown, however, that there are circumstances when we are more likely to take that big risk.  This short article from the Kellogg School at Northwestern asks “When Do People Take Huge Risks?”  The answer may lie in the size of the bet you’re asking them to take.