As the saying goes, a new year means a new beginning. And for Fortune 100 CEOs, the start of a new year is an opportunity to set goals and make resolutions for personal and professional growth. From improving work-life balance to tackling diversity and inclusion issues, these top leaders in the business world are setting the bar high for the new year.
To successfully follow through on new year resolutions, the goals you set for yourself must be doable and measurable. “If you do it out of the sense of self-hate or remorse or a strong passion in that moment, it doesn’t usually last long,” said Dr Michael Bennett a psychiatrist and co-author of two self-help books.
Resolving to Find Work-Life Harmony
One common theme among Fortune 100 CEOs is the desire to improve work-life balance. With the demands of running a company, it can be easy to get caught up in work and neglect other areas of life. Many CEOs are resolving to make time for hobbies, exercise, and quality time with loved ones, recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle.
CEO Of Berkshire Hathaway Warren Buffet recommends learning to say NO to distractions and anything that does not align with your goals. “You’ve gotta keep control of your time, and you can’t unless you say no. You can’t let people set your agenda in life.”
Achieving Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace is another key focus for Fortune 100 CEOs in the new year. Many are committing to creating more inclusive environments for employees of all backgrounds, and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives to foster a sense of belonging and respect among team members.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has always been a diversity and inclusion champion. Under his leadership, Walmart even commissioned McKinsey & Co. to research challenges Black Americans face in the private sector. McMillon once said, “Companies with cultures that celebrate diverse opinions and encourage the exchange of ideas have an advantage when solving difficult problems. A company that doesn’t is at a clear disadvantage.”
The Harvard Business Review also found that diverse companies are 70% more likely to capture new markets.
Embracing Change and Innovation
As the business world continues to evolve and change, Fortune 100 CEOs are also resolving to embrace innovation and stay ahead of the curve. This means keeping an open mind to new ideas, taking calculated risks, and staying up-to-date on industry trends.
A Lab42 survey showed that for 84% of consumers it is somewhat or very important that the company they buy a product from is innovative.
“The biggest risk is not taking any risk … In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks,” says Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Market research firm Nielsen found that customers have a strong appetite for innovation and are increasingly demanding better choices.
Leading with Empathy and Compassion
In addition to achieving professional success, many Fortune 100 CEOs are also resolving to lead with empathy and compassion. This means taking the time to listen to and understand the needs and concerns of employees, as well as taking a holistic approach to problem-solving.
According to research conducted by Businessolver, 84% of CEOs believe empathy drives better business outcomes.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella admits, “Empathy makes you a better innovator.” Empathetic leadership also helped make a workplace more inclusive.
From improving work-life balance to embracing innovation and leading with empathy, the New Year’s Resolutions of Fortune 100 CEOs reflect a commitment to personal and professional growth. These top leaders in the business world are setting the stage for a successful and meaningful year ahead.
