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After spending nearly five years as a chief executive and accumulating over 16 years of experience in leadership roles, Zig Serafin believes he has unlocked the secrets to attaining high levels of success.
According to Serafin, the cornerstone of achievement lies in the ability to balance visionary thinking with practical execution. He emphasizes the necessity of being grounded to tackle everyday job responsibilities and obstacles while also striving toward an ambitious overarching goal.
“Being attuned to broader aspirations is crucial,” Serafin notes, highlighting the dual responsibilities of leading a company like Qualtrics, where he has served as CEO since July 2020. “At the same time, it’s imperative to deliver results and accomplish tasks in the present.”
Serafin asserts that effective leaders and team members recognize this balance. Conversely, individuals—whether managers who frequently unveil new initiatives without addressing team fatigue or employees lacking ambition—are unlikely to thrive within their organizations.
“Those who cannot find this balance may not last long in their roles,” warns Serafin. “It’s important to navigate this landscape wisely.”
Finding a balance between overarching vision and tangible actions requires adaptability and intentionality, says Rupal Patel, a former CIA agent, now a seasoned CEO and leadership consultant.
“I often advise people to understand the ‘what’ but to remain flexible regarding the ‘how’ and ‘when,'” Patel explains. “It’s essential to establish a clear vision, but as execution begins, one must be prepared for changes.”
Strategizing for Success
Patel suggests that professionals should document their aspirations for one, five, and ten years into the future. They need to clarify the daily behaviors and actions that will help achieve those visions. This strategic planning session is what Patel refers to as a “personal board meeting.”
“Distilling that overarching strategy into manageable components is fundamentally how any task gets accomplished,” she asserts. “This method transcends individual goals, agendas, industries, and personal ambitions.”
This systematic approach also facilitates easier adjustments to one’s strategy, should the need arise, she adds.
Both Serafin and Patel agree that seeking external feedback can enhance the execution of significant objectives. For instance, a leader might convene a meeting with team members to garner their insights on the company’s targets and collaboratively outline a path forward. This method ensures everyone understands their role in achieving the broader vision, according to Patel.
Additionally, having an accountability partner could be instrumental in staying aligned with both larger aspirations and everyday tasks. This could be anyone—colleague, friend, or family member—who is also committed to personal growth, as Serafin suggests.
Engaging with individuals who share similar goals can provide the motivation needed to stay committed to one’s vision and may help in breaking out of one’s comfort zone, he elaborates.
“It’s essential to be open to feedback in ways that may be uncomfortable,” advises Serafin. “Understanding diverse perspectives is vital for personal and professional growth.”
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