Discover the CEO of YOU® – Leadership!

“Good leaders must communicate vision clearly, creatively, and continually. However, the vision doesn’t come alive until the leader models it. A great leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” -John C. Maxwell

In the world of business, especially in optometry, success requires more than just clinical skills and patient care. It demands strong leadership, a clear vision, and a winning strategy. According to the CEO of YOU® business model, a successful strategy should include a detailed how-to manual and performance evaluator for each of the five pillars of business success: Leadership, Administration, Operations, Promotions, and Sales. Today, we focus on the first and most crucial pillar: Leadership.

Leadership is not just about managing a team—it’s about inspiring, guiding, and creating a vision that others want to follow. A great leader Writes the vision and makes it plain, communicates it often, and inspires the team to succeed. Effective leaders don’t just do the work; they empower their team to achieve greatness together. In the CEO of YOU® model, a leader is a D.I.V.A.: Decisive, Influential, Visionary, and an Artful Communicator. Let’s dive into what it means to lead like a D.I.V.A.!

Pillar #1 – Leadership: Lead Like a D.I.V.A.

1. Decisive: Embrace the Power of Decision-Making

   Being decisive is not about always being right—it’s about having the courage to make choices. In leadership, the fear of making the wrong decision can be paralyzing. However, the worst decision is often indecision. The CEO of YOU® leader understands that even bad choices can be corrected; what matters is taking action when needed.

   Example: Think of Steve Jobs, who famously said, “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.” This mindset helped Apple make bold decisions, like removing the headphone jack or the physical keyboard, choices that initially seemed controversial but ultimately set new industry standards.

   Pro Tip: When faced with a tough decision, ask yourself: How will this impact my Mission, Vision, and Purpose (MVP)? This question helps you stay aligned with your core values, making the decision process clearer. Remember the Nike slogan—Just Do It! Taking action is better than standing still.

2. Influential: Amplify Your Impact with Authenticity, Inspiration, and Motivation (AIM)

   Influential leaders rally people and get them to work together toward a shared goal. To increase your influence, focus on AIM: Authenticity, Inspiration, and Motivation. Show up as your true self, inspire with your vision, and motivate others to strive for excellence.

   Story: Oprah Winfrey’s influence is legendary. Her authenticity, vulnerability, and drive to inspire others have made her one of the most influential women in the world. Oprah’s impact goes beyond her shows and magazines; she has motivated millions to dream bigger and act on those dreams.

   Quote: As John Maxwell said, “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.” To lead like a D.I.V.A., cultivate your ability to inspire and motivate those around you.

3. Visionary: See the Bigger Picture and Lead with Purpose

   Visionary leaders think about the future and constantly refine their MVP—Mission, Vision, and Purpose. As the CEO of YOU®, your job isn’t to do; your job is to lead. Stop getting caught up in the day-to-day tasks—delegate those to your team. Instead, focus on setting the direction and ensuring everyone knows what, where, why, and how.

   Example: Elon Musk, the mind behind Tesla and SpaceX, embodies visionary leadership. He doesn’t focus on building cars or rockets; he focuses on revolutionizing transportation on Earth and beyond. Musk’s role is to dream big and inspire others to make the impossible possible.

   Action Step: Regularly review and update your MVP. Ensure it aligns with your evolving goals, and communicate this vision to your team to keep them motivated and focused.

4. Artful Communicator: Master the Art of Connection

   Communication is an art that requires constant practice and refinement. An artful communicator listens more than they speaks, seeks to understand before being understood, and knows when to be clear and when to be artfully vague. This balance is crucial because the success of your strategy hinges on how well you convey it to your team and stakeholders.

   Story: Think of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Known for her eloquence and ability to connect with audiences, she used her platform to speak about issues that mattered deeply to her, from education to health and wellness. Her speeches were a blend of clarity and emotion, inspiring millions around the globe.

   Pro Tip: To improve your communication, practice active listening. Engage with your team and patients, showing genuine interest in their feedback. It’s through these connections that you’ll refine your approach and ensure everyone is aligned with your vision.

Lead Like a D.I.V.A.: Your Pathway to Success

Your strategy is your pathway to success. To win, you need to lead with a winning mindset and approach. By being Decisive, Influential, Visionary, and an Artful Communicator, you set the tone for your team and your practice. In this article, we explored Pillar #1 of a winning strategy—Leadership. In the next publication, we’ll dive into Pillar #2—Administration.

Remember, you are the CEO of YOU®. It’s time to dream big, take risks, and lead like the D.I.V.A. you are meant to be!

Join the Optometry Divas Community

Are you ready to elevate your leadership skills and take your practice to the next level? Join the Optometry Divas community today at optometrydivas.com/join. Connect with a powerful network of women optometrists who are committed to growth, empowerment, and success. Together, let’s discover the CEO of YOU®!

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