These are the two phrases that come up on the screen of my mobile phone every time I switch it on. To me they are the most inspirational words in my business life. They sum up what I aspire to be.
Keep the Faith
‘Keep the Faith’ reassures me of my commitment to all that I believe. It reflects the standards I uphold, the ultimate purpose I subscribe to, and my innermost personal commitment to achieving my best every day. It is my job to keep my Faith, and to respect the faith that people have in me.
Stay true to yourself and your values in all circumstances, regardless of the pressure to default. Remain independent but prepared to fully commit. Remember your attitude matters to those around you, so be disciplined, consistent, confident, calm and decisive. Above all remain proud of all you do. Communicate you intentions clearly and simply, and remain open, measured and honest. Always keep something in reserve! Never stop smiling.
Be the Brand
‘Be the Brand’ reminds me of all I offer as an outstanding leader. People buy brands they have faith in, and are proud to be associated with. A brand is a ‘badge’ of allegiance that people willingly display with pride and inner conviction.
My first priority is to be an individual of honesty and integrity that people will trust, a leader that inspires them to ‘buy-in’ to all I stand for, and to win over their hearts and minds to willingly work with every effort to achieve a successful outcome. I aspire to be a leader that people want to follow, and to create something far greater than any of us, that we all desire to be a part of.
Furthermore I desire to be an individual with such energy, enthusiasm and commitment to all I set out to achieve, it can only inspire others. It is said of outstanding sports coach Vince Lombardi ‘He spoke with urgency, passion and conviction – and, as a result, with power’.
Your Actions define you, so remain professional at all times. People will remember your worst moments more than your greatest achievements; your reputation is hard won and easily lost.
‘Sell’ your unique skills and abilities at all times, so those around you have something great to buy into. Empower others and delegate; show them your own brand is so strong you can trust others without fear.
Be accessible and available; show support. Remember a brand is influential; set an example and lead in the direction you are convinced is right!
Maintain Momentum
I recently added the words ‘Maintain Momentum’. This reminds me I have to continue to work to the best of my abilities every day. There is no let up, and there are no excuses. People trust a leader for his consistency and trustworthiness as much as anything else. I have to keep on ‘keeping on’.
I have become more convinced that whatever business you are involved in, consistency is the key to success; consistency in customer service, in quality or standards. After a string of poor results the Liverpool Soccer Manager Rafael Benitez challenged his team by saying ‘I have come here to work hard and expect everyone else to do the same. I want consistency and that means everyone working harder’.
Hard work has its rewards. Being ‘on a roll’ is far more exhilarating than trying to start off from a standstill. Maintain Momentum so morale remains positive. Success breeds success.
