Show Up in 2016

  Starting a new project, new job, or new year, can be intimidating. Many times, when we mention “starting”, we immediately are taken back to a thought of some competitive sport. It was once said that you cannot win by “just showing up”. This raises a question: How do you show up adequately? Will you show up for 2016? Showing up is the presence, performance, and attitude of a leader when dealing with projects and people.  How you show up is an important leadership question, especially as we move into a New Year. In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell says, “Leadership is influence; nothing more, nothing less.” How we show up directly impacts and sets the tone for our relationship with others, which will determine our level of influence. People make decisions about a leader based on how he presents himself as much as where he is going. Leadership is a part of every area of your life and it all comes down to influence. If you want to have influence, you have to show up. A new year is a fresh start. You have the opportunity to make this year whatever you want it to be; set new goals, dream new dreams, create a new atmosphere. But your success in accomplishing these new ventures will be determined by how you show up. Showing up is important for several reasons.    

1. You want to set the tone. The culture of your relationships, your life, and your year will be determined by how you show up. Showing up sets expectations. If you do not approach your relationships, whether personal or professional, or your projects, with the presence, performance, and attitude of a leader, you will not show up at the level needed to experience high levels of success.

 

2. You want to be heard. People perceive more from how you act than from what you have to say. If you want people to listen, show up and prove that what you have to say is worth hearing. Build upon your existing reputation or make some changes this year; either way, just be sure to get a little better every day. If you want to be heard, be silent in speaking, but let your actions be generous, kind, and they will speak volumes.

 

3. You want to be remembered well. If you want to be remembered as excellent, you must remember the three keys: Presence, performance, and attitude. Everyone leaves a legacy; the real challenge is determining what our legacy will be. Even if you haven’t been excellent in the past, a new year is a chance to change that. You don’t have to accept a life of mediocrity. Choose to work daily towards being a champion in your relationships, profession, and life.

 

4. You want to impact outcomes. You may not change the whole world, but when you show up every day, you have a greater opportunity to change your world. Showing up well is vital to effecting change. No matter what dreams, plans, or goals you have set for the upcoming year, chances are they will effect change. Show up well and set yourself up for success. Consider the consequences for turning up to a big interview with no motivation, a poor attitude, and a downtrodden presence. The outcome is not likely to be favorable. Show up with a strong, positive presence, an optimistic attitude, and perform better than anyone else.

  When you show up well, you give yourself the opportunity and ability to excel. But, if you have never thought about how you show up before now, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you have considered it, use these questions as a refresher to ensure your new year is full of big opportunities where you show up.   Here are a few questions to ask before showing up.

1. What do you want to accomplish?
2. What are you willing to give up to get there?
3. Who is the audience?
4. How will they process the information I share or the manner I share it?
5. What could get in the way?
6. How will I respond if there are obstacles?
7. What do I want people to remember about how I showed up?

  Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to practice before you need to show up. It has been said, “you fight how you train” or “you play how you practice.” Planning and preparation are critical. My collegiate children say “dress well, test well,” which means that how you prepare and how you show up both have a significant impact on your success. One way to do this is to bookend your year. Spend some time preparing for the New Year. Write out your goals, make a plan, and identify other factors that may be necessary to finding success. Whatever method you choose, be sure to show up well. ]]>