Working with CEOs over the last dozen or so years, I observed several common traits in those who successfully grow their businesses. I have written in the past about the importance of having a vision, having the right people, and having strong execution. Another more subtle characteristic shared by successful leaders… They seem to have an incredible “capacity”.
Webster defines capacity as…
- the potential or suitability for holding, storing, or accommodating
- an individual’s mental or physical ability
- the faculty or potential for treating, experiencing, or appreciating
- the facility or power to produce, perform, or deploy: maximum output
It’s this facility for maximum output that I am referring to. The ability to take on more, to handle more stress, to be present regardless of outside circumstances, to simply do more. It’s more than ability, it’s well, capacity.
And, here’s what I observe… while these leaders may very well be able to handle more and do more than others, it is also their ability to choose. To make a choice, to say no more often than they say yes; and most importantly, they accept that when they choose, they may disappoint someone. And, they allow themselves to be okay with that.
The initial results of my Pivot are excellent. I feel I have much greater clarity regarding the next 3-5 years.. 