In my reading, I seek out stories about companies and executives working to build high performing companies and a better world. It’s encouraging to see more and more research and progress on these themes.  Indeed, a movement is building amongst CEOs to bridge trust between companies, society, and government.  

I curated several articles and I hope you find them inspiring in your own journey as a leader to create a better company and a better world.  

I am a procrastinator.  Let’s face it…most of us deal with procrastination for tasks we don’t like to do.  

For me I don’t procrastinate on the more immediate to-dos, or tasks related to my friends and family. Yet I do find myself avoiding some longer-term projects.  It’s those things that take dedicated time, intense focus, and hard thinking on complex issues.  This kind of work is hard to fit into the flow of my days, and it requires new habits for me to achieve my desired results.  

Prepping to say a few words at a Board meeting? No problem. Getting ready to coach a CEO in a one-on-one session? I jump right in. But sitting and doing heads-down strategic analysis on an important decision - it’s tough to begin.

Leadership is an art form.  To become a master in any art form requires commitment, practice, and continual learning.  You move from being good to being exceptional. You become a master.  

So let me be very personal this week.  As a leader, I highly value cultivating mastery in the art of gratitude and reflection. These two “being traits” are precursors to the “doing traits” of inspiring, focusing, aligning, and motivating others.  On a personal level, if I do not take time out for daily reflection, anchored in a grateful heart, my energy is depleted and my ability to connect with others diminishes.  

I have committed to two simple habits every day that move me toward mastery with gratitude.  Believe me, I don’t always feel like doing these every day, but I know the benefits and the costs of the choice I make.