Are You Keeping Your Leadership Resolutions?

The end of the year is nearly upon us, the time when we celebrate what we’ve accomplished so far and decide what we will do differently in the future. But we all to know that resolutions are easy to make, but not so easy to keep. How many times have you made a commitment to getting more time in at the gym, or eating healthier, or finally taking that big vacation, only to realize three or four months later that they’ve been put on the back burner?

Some resolutions are more important than others. If you’re in a leadership position, it’s important that you keep your commitments to making positive changes in both your personal and professional lives. Now is a great time to solicit feedback from your employees. Not only does asking for feedback show that you trust your staff enough to be honest with you, but it also shows that you care about how you are perceived and are dedicated to improving your leadership skills. If you expect your employees to strive to be better at what they do, you should start with yourself.

But how do you ensure that once you make resolutions you actually keep them? It’s easy to say you’re going to do something differently, but it takes serious effort and mindfulness to follow through when you’re in the moment.

One on one coaching is a great tool for implementing change, but it’s not the only option. Another great way to keep yourself on track is to participate in peer coaching. I’m currently taking applications for the ExecuLink™ Senior Leadership Forum. The forum is a great way to get support from other leaders in non-competing industries and to share your own insights with others. It’s rewarding and doesn’t require the same level of commitment that individual coaching does.

Here’s what a few of my clients have to say about their experiences with the Forum:

“Often when you’re trying to help someone else diagnose a problem, you end up learning something about your own challenges, and the reverse is true as well: others can easily apply a challenge you’ve faced to their own situation.”

“The main connection to my work has been through my peers bringing new ideas and a better understanding of how our organizational issues and dynamics compare with other organizations. This has given me a broader perspective and understanding.”

“What I appreciate about participating in the executive forum is the combination of individual coaching coupled with the interaction you get with peers from different organizations with different personalities, genders, perspectives, etc. It’s a very diverse group. We developed a strong, supportive bond quickly and we help each other work through problems and offer advice.”

Even if you don’t have any specific leadership resolutions, the ExecuLink™ Forum is still worth considering. Peer coaching is as much about giving back as it is about getting. By participating in a peer coaching program, you model responsible leadership to your organization, bring new ideas to the table, and gain the satisfaction of having made a difference in your community.

If you live in the Wichita metro area and are interested in peer coaching, you can apply here. If you have questions, please feel free to get in touch with me and I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.