Four Ways Leaders Imagine and Seize New Opportunities
Dear Optimist, Pessimist, and Realist,
While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water, I drank it!
Sincerely,The Opportunist
- How do you and I become more opportunistic?
- How do we shift from scarcity thinking to abundance?
- What new opportunities are awaiting us if we push forward rather than retreat?
Here are Four Ways Leaders Imagine and Seize New Opportunities:
1. Turn failure into a coach, mentor, and friend
I recently experienced a setback (failure). It was disappointing and discouraging. But within minutes– not hours or days, I could see how it could serve me to become better– not bitter.
Note: I’ve already repositioned myself to learn, grow, and seek new ways and opportunities.
2. Ask better questions
People who exercise their imagination skills simply ask better and more curious questions to look for a new opportunity.
Note: I schedule a one-on-one mastermind phone appointment with a brilliant thought leader and entrepreneur. As I ask questions, I always come away with new, stimulating ideas.
3. Add spice to your network
Each new quarter, reach out to someone new in your strategic network. You are only a few people away from a wonderful opportunity. Don’t get stuck with the same network.
Note: A 2020 goal for me was to expand my network. It’s led to new opportunities in business expansion and growth.
4. Only chase one rabbit at a time
You can’t catch two or three rabbits. Stay focused on one big opportunity at a time. Stay focused and remember that action creates opportunities.
Note: When my co-author Mike Acker and I wrote Lead With No Fear, we had a deliberate focus which led to writing our book in 30 days and publishing in 90 days.
Today, turn failure into a friend. Ask better questions, add spice to your network, and chase one rabbit at a time.
–Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.
A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
3 Ways to Guard and Build Your Self-Talk
Undoubtedly, the single most important investment of your time is “thinking time.” In order to make your life, leadership, and professional pursuits thrive and succeed, you have to “draw out” your best thoughts.
King Solomon said, “The purpose of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.” It’s important to take time to “draw out” your purpose, your desires, and your motives.
Something I do on a regular basis is get away from the noise and spend time alone. I go through a series of questions that help me continually focus my pursuits on those few things that matter most.
Below are 10 examples of the questions I ask myself during my purpose-driven thinking time:
1. Do I have 100% confidence in my current pursuits?
2. Am I maximizing my gifts and stretching to develop them?
3. Are my goals serving my purpose to inspire greatness in others?
4. What distractions or trivial pursuits should I eliminate?
5. Will I celebrate and be proud of my pursuits a year from now? Are they truly significant?
6. What “one regret” from last month do I need to bury and attack in a new direction?
7. In the next 30-40 days, what must I accomplish to feel satisfied and fulfilled?
8. Are my goals for the year absolutely clear and documented?
9. Am I in 100% alignment with my Executive Assistant and support team?
10. Are my health and fitness goals being realized?
I encourage you to schedule your purpose-driven thinking time. I typically schedule about 60-90 minutes at a local coffee shop for this. You will be amazed by the benefits of purpose-driven thinking time. Do your best to close the gaps on how your are currently spending your time.
It’s extremely enchanting and empowering to realize the power you have to change your course and change your results.
Personal development can change your life! I’d love to hear from you about your purpose-driven thinking time.
Here’s to your best thoughts!
-Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.
A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
