The hallmark of a leader is to think strategically, which essentially is being proactive to change rather than reactive. Being proactive means thinking and acting ahead of anticipated events; i.e. using foresight.
Every organization wants their staff to have a proactive approach. This was indeed the most thought provoking discussion we had at a recent leadership training workshop we Ecube conducted, for one of UAE’s leading leasing and diversified financial services conglomerate. Being proactive helps one deal with a potential future event before it becomes a reality. Almost all projects, even those properly managed, need to deal with obstacles, challenging moments, unsatisfied users, technical problems or fewer resources for execution. When a person is prepared for an expected occurrence, they can take proactive measures. It enables one to prove their insight and vision as a leader or a team of leaders.
It may not be possible to predict the occurrence of the exact event that my occur, or the magnitude of its impact, such as the Covid 19, nevertheless, leaders that are proactive have already simulated the greatest challenges mentally and have found opportunities and methodologies to see thorough them. It is this mindset that supports all further behavior and results.
In ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People’ Stephen R Covey talks about the very first habit is to be proactive. “Habit 1: Be Proactive provides the foundation for all the other habits. Habit 1 is, undoubtedly, the foundation for leadership at home or at work because it begins with the mindset, I am responsible for me, and I can choose.” Being proactive streamlines leadership, enhances positive results and inspires a more joyful workplace. This learning had the most lasting impact on the participants and they left with a strong determination to be harbingers of positivity and power for the entire organisation.
Established in the Dubai, Ecube Training has been successfully delivering leadership, management, negotiation skills and soft skills training programs to corporates. It’s training titles include the resilient leader, negotiation skills masterclass, situational leadership, time management, stress management, customer service and sales accelerator program and are conducted across the Middle East, Africa and India including Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Every training session is preceded by a training needs analysis and is followed by measurement of training results.
