Most people sit down on January 1^st to work out their new year’s resolution.  For some, it’s a profound resolution like giving up smoking.  Others set grand intentions for the future like starting a new business.

I didn’t do any of that this year.  There just wasn’t time.  In fact, the very notion of having time and clarity to set goals and plan the future in the middle of a busy winter is a bit Utopian for me. 

Now that summer has arrived, though, I feel the pressure lifting.  And I'm going to do in August what everyone else attempts in January.  Although perhaps my task is more about contemplation than proclaiming gung-ho new year's resolutions. 

As America shifts down a gear for summer and Europe goes on holiday, I’m going to take advantage of the time to clear my mind and focus. 

I love this time of the year.  I have less traveling with fewer workshops and conferences to prepare for.   While I love my work, the travel and pressure can take its toll.  August gives me time to re-charge, get my energy levels back up and allow my mind to prepare for Autumn.

What will your thoughts about the future be?

Personally, I want to get a better understanding of the massive changes taking place in our world.  What do these changes mean to me and the people I work with? 

I’m not just talking about the obvious changes such as the huge hike in gas prices and drop in home values.

The West is on a huge journey of discovery right now as relationships, societal values, commerce and politics evolve within the context of greater competition from emerging economies.  Change is on us as our methods of communication change.  And the value of our skilled workers becomes clearer.

As we see major shifts in America and Europe, I want to ask if we in the West will be able to deal with the many challenges we face.  Or if we'll be trumped by the emerging economies which are dynamic and flexible.

So my goal this summer is to make some sort of sense of it all.  Work out what we need to do to stay competitive and ensure the future isn't forced on us.  We need to ensure we have some influence in creating the future we want.

I know you're thinking, gee Halls, that’s a lofty goal.  But I keep telling myself, if I only make it halfway there, it's stepping out in the right direction. 

Thinking these things through is something I believe we all need to start doing soon if we’re to avoid being swept aside by the many changes taking place.

It's also something that any leader must start doing if she or he hasn't already started.  If you're leading people you'll be facing some tough challenges ahead.

Leaders face some of the biggest changes

You’ve probably heard all the buzzwords.  Brain drain, talent crisis, generational differences in staffing. 

More than ever before, you are going to be at the mercy of your workforce as you turn your vision into reality.  I believe that right now is the time to try and understand what these changes mean. 

If you’re a leader, you have to deliver strategy that delivers big, more than ever before. 

And you have to motivate a diverse workforce where skills are at a premium. 

And you have to train people to do jobs that didn't exist three years ago.

It all sounds challenging and I wonder how these issues affect you.  My summer is one for contemplation.  For me it’s about how I as someone working with organizations will help them not just cope with the future but create a better world with passion and gusto.

How about you?  What do these things mean for you? 

If you’re up for some intellectual stimulation over the next month, here are a few books that may challenge you to make it to next summer in a stronger position.

Tempted to challenge your thinking this summer?  Click on the links to buy your copy of these books.  Also, we'd love to hear what you think about these books.  Drop us a line as your comments are very valuable.