The Future Leader

23Knowing vs Doing

In today's world it's easy for us to focus on the negative but the most important thing I learned from writing this book is that the future is bright. The CEOs I interviewed identified the Notable Nine as the most crucial mindsets and skills for the future leader, but I want to add one to the list that can be both a mindset and a skill: optimism. As a leader you have to wake up each day believing that the future can be better than it is today and that you can help build that better future. This is not an easy thing to do. You will get caught up in the day-to-day aspects of your job and life, you will switch teams and employers, perhaps you will relocate, and you may even switch careers. Regardless of where your path takes you, you must remain optimistic. The future leader must wake up each morning and ask, “How can I be better and how can I unlock the potential of my people?”

There is a lot of work for leaders and organizations around the world to do. But this also means there is tremendous potential and opportunity, if you take action.

Sheryl Palmer is the CEO of Taylor Morrison, a home building company with over 2,500 employees. A few years ago, she had to do one of the most difficult things in her life and career: write two letters to her team. One of the letters to her team said, “I'll see you in six weeks,” and the other letter said, “Make me proud and ...