Revised pic for luck blog

I am not a believer in pure leadership luck. It’s not that some leaders don’t have great opportunities come their way while others seem to be less fortunate with workplace issues. The perfect rainbow as well as the perfect storm can happen to any of us. But that’s not luck; that’s more “stuff happens”.

My philosophy about luck is somewhat organic and somewhat premeditated. When I have experienced a lucky outcome to a dream or goal, it had less to do with luck and more to do with preparing for the alignment of my actions and targets. For that promotion to happen or for that company to become a new client, there needs to be more than just luck.

[Tweet “Luck is not something that just happens to leaders.”]

If you are really eager to make luck work in your favor, here are four strategies that may bring you the four-leaf clover:

BELIEVE YOU ARE LUCKY

Do you think you are a lucky leader? Luck will never find you if you don’t open your eyes and mind to being lucky. It can be a self-fulfilling prophecy if we think we are worthy of an opportunity happening. In my workshops I often will hear:

“I never get any of the good assignments.”

“I deserve to be promoted, but it will never happen on this team.”

“My work is never recognized like some of the others in my department.”

The leaders who have those self-limited philosophies, will most certainly ward off luck. If that sounds like something you may say or think, stop that negativity and instead say:

“All my assignments are contributing to my job experience so I will be ready for the more interesting one when it arrives.”

“I am setting up a meeting with my boss about how I can make my promotion materialize.”

“I am going to identify ways to share my contributions more effectively.”

CAREFULLY MAKE A PLAN

Whatever your goals may be, make a clear and well thought out strategy of how to achieve them. Don’t leave your steps and milestones to luck but rather map them out with measurements and deadlines. Stick to those metrics and be ready so when a new position opens up, you will be prepared. If you need to take on some training to learn new skills, do it now. If you need to reach out for a mentor, today is the day.

[Tweet “Leadership Luck involves strategy and planning.”]

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ACTION FIGURES

Sometimes leaders complain about their team members not being strong or focused. High performing teams aren’t just lucky; they work hard to make things happen.

  • Help teammates be more accountable by holding them to high expectations and giving honest feedback.
  • Offer praise when people execute effectively by giving them credit and sharing their achievements with others.
  • Coach others to believe they can reach even higher and provide concrete ways to take action.

LEAD WITH DECISIVENESS

Lucky leaders can make clear decisions and explain why a certain direction needs to be taken. When challenging opportunities knock at your door, answer loudly with “yes’! Put fears away and take on the riskier project even if there seems to be some missing pieces or imperfect information. It’s better to try and fail than not to attempt at all. That is how luck rolls. When we purposefully put ourselves out there, luck meets us square on.

What type of lucky leader are you? How have you made luck part of your leadership?

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This