LEADERS REFLECT ON THE PAST AND PLAN AHEAD FOR THE FUTURE

Like most families, we have our Center inside jokes among my wife and my two sons. One habit my family members tease me about is my tendency to engage in reflection. They even tease me about using the words “reflect” and “reflection.”

I was reminded of this family habit during the past week because two conversations transpired:

-I reminded a coaching client that “leaders don’t learn from experience. They learn from reflecting on experience.”

-I was asked by a different client if I had taken time yet to reflect on the past year – 2024 – and on the upcoming year – 2025. After I reminded my client that I could not “take the time” because I had to “make the time,” I admitted that I had not done so – up until now. At the conclusion of each year, I do make time to reflect on the 12 months past and the 12 months ahead.

Perhaps you do so as well. The year’s climax is a traditional point to take stock, to engage in personal reflection, to learn lessons, and to plot plans going forward. Like many leadership coaches, I am working with clients to help them articulate the “aha moments” from the past year, to integrate lessons learned, and to determine how to apply those lessons in their personal and professional lives in 2025.

I subscribe to numerous leadership blogs and newsletters during the year. You will not be surprised to know that many authors and bloggers are focusing on reflections and questions as we move from 2024 to 2025. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I thought I would highlight here and again next week some of the best content I have received.

Dan Caldwell, who writes a wonderful daily blog called “Leadership Freak,” requests that we set goals that extend our uniqueness, asking “How can I express or extend my talents,” before setting personal goals for the New Year.

Dan asks:

1. What drains your energy the most?

2. What do people say you are great at?

3. What can you do easily that causes you to wonder why others find it difficult?

4. What activities cause time to fly by?

5. What experiences have shaped your strengths? How?

6. Reflecting on your career, what are your greatest contributions to the organizations you have served?

7. Reflecting on your career, what are your greatest contributions to the teams you have served?

8. Reflecting on your career, what are your greatest contributions to the individuals you have led or served with?

9. What do you brag to your friends and family about?

10. What roles or responsibilities feel most like play?

11. If you could do some things better that you already do well, what would those things be?

12. What do you frequently receive praise for?

13. What do you see that others frequently miss?

14. What do you instinctively do when facing challenges or obstacles?

15. What do you consistently do better than others?

16. What role do you often play in groups?

17. What is true of you that causes people to seek your advice or perspective?

Then Dan asks leaders to write a few sentences in response to the following incomplete statements:

1. The talents I would love to express or extend in 2025 are ….

2. I could express or extend my talents in new ways by ….

3. The personal goals that come to mind for me are…

Dan encourages leaders to return to this last question once a day until they are comfortable with their responses.

Think about Dan’s suggestions as you head into 2025. New Year’s Day is Wednesday. Now is a great week to spend time being grateful for what we have and for expressing our gratitude to the people we are fortunate to lead, whether those people are our work colleagues, our fellow volunteers in non-profit organizations, or mentees who look up to us for advice and inspiration.

Thank you for subscribing to this leadership newsletter in 2024. It has been my privilege to write and and to circulate it to all of you.

I hope you have found the content to be helpful, insightful and sometimes even inspirational.

I hope the content has led you to ask questions of yourself and others.

I hope the content has helped you expand your leadership toolkit.

Have a wonderful holiday season. I hope you spend time with valued family and friends. Stay safe and be well. And have a Happy New Year!

If you believe this content would resonate with a friend or colleague, please feel free to forward it along!

-Larry