Leading your organization towards a specific destination or goal is like being the pilot of a corporate jet—wherever you go, your company goes. There isn't an auto-pilot setting for you if you expect to take your team to greater heights.

So what do you do when your company is ready to achieve the next level of success via a new customer, acquisition or a new product launch? Today and tomorrow, Promotional Consultant Today shares these habits and action steps from keynote speaker, Elizabeth McCormick, to move your organization to the next level of success.

Hopeful Expectations. Whatever you look for is exactly what you will find. If you expect to find problems, you will. If you expect your team to discover creative solutions, exceed their potential, come together as a team and support you, your vision and your company goals—they will. A positive mindset is the first habit you need to cultivate and grow a winning mindset. Without it, you will fail to see what's possible.

When faced with a new idea, prospect or proposal (especially in a meeting with your team), always communicate the positives first. Encourage and engage your team members to participate in developing new ideas. Cultivate innovation by asking them to spell out the pros and cons of their ideas. Then, when they're ready, empower them to run with it.

Eliminate Multitasking. Just because you're busy, doesn't mean you are productive. When too much emphasis is put on multitasking, it could lead to miscommunication, mistakes, frustration and unmet goals. It's not about how much you can multitask, it's about knowing which tasks can multiply your results.

Remove all distractions and then decide which task needs your attention and work on it until it's done. This works for meetings too. Put your devices away and give your full attention to your team. Before you know it, they will follow your lead.

Intentional Kindness. Many people have experienced random acts of kindness, but it's time to be more intentional in showing kindness to yourself and your team members. Become more aware of how you can encourage others, add value, meet the needs you see and extend grace whenever needed. As you do, you'll begin to see those actions spread throughout your organization and beyond.

Here are some examples: set up a charity of the month. Assign a 12-person committee with each member taking ownership one month. Some ideas include collecting winter coats and canned food, walking as a team in a fun run or 5K fundraiser, hosting a blood drive, adopting a highway or spending a day with Habitat for Humanity. Encourage involvement from all team members.

Gear Down. In today's world, it's tough to find time to think, yet that's one of the more critical elements of success. Studies show that intentional downtime improves productivity, energy and results. Don't fall for that top-speed mentality or you'll eventually run out of fuel. Schedule some time to gear down. Prioritize some non-negotiable time on your calendar just for you. Create a distraction-free space where you can clear your mind and unplug from everything. Start with just 10 minutes if that's all you have but start now. You'll be amazed at the clarity and productivity you'll experience as a result.

Ready for more ways to create a winning workplace? Read PCT again tomorrow.

Source: Elizabeth McCormick is a keynote speaker specializing in leadership, sales and safety presentations. She was recently named to the list of Leadership Experts to Follow Online. A former U.S. Army Black Hawk Pilot and author of The P.I.L.O.T. Method; the 5 Elemental Truths to Leading Yourself in Life, McCormick teaches instantly applicable strategies to boost your employees' confidence in their own leadership abilities.