Have you ever started an initiative that seemed to fizzle out after a few weeks or months?Each January ushers in the opportunity to ‘start fresh’ and as such, many companies and leaders choose to introduce new ideas.

Most people will immediately identify **people** as their most important asset. They will state that they are the differentiator in their business. I agree that is true, but few leaders back those statements up with specific actions that support their beliefs.

There are certain basics that every successful person will have as a foundation. They may seem very simple but they cannot be overlooked, forgotten, or taken for granted.

The point I want to make with this story is this: ensure you build tools for your associates that will enhance their experience as well as the customer’s.

I cannot stress the importance of planning enough. I believe it is one of the most underutilized tools almost every leader employs. Most leaders want to get moving and take the fire, ready, aim approach to getting things done.

Being the driver or passenger is a choice. Leaders define those roles clearly and decide on how to navigate to any new outcome effectively.

Does work always have to feel like…work? As the leader you establish the environment that you and your team work in. If you want to have a fun store or workplace, that is up to you.

Email is a part of life these days. When I speak with people and ask about the biggest frustrations they have in their everyday life, email is always on that list.

Leadership is as much about taking care of yourself as it is serving others. What are you doing to take care of YOU?...In order for us to be our best for others, we need to ensure we are in peak condition.

What drives the behaviors you carry out each day? In many cases they are driven by habits we have formed over time from different environments.

Your personal development is something you own. You need to be proactive in looking for ways to continue to make yourself a better leader.