Have you created your self-leadership compass for 2022 yet?

Now that we’re well and truly into a brand new year, how has your 2022 started? If you’ve hit the ground running and have that same sinking feeling as you did at the end of 2021, it’s time to stop and take stock. Even if you feel your year has begun smoothly, it’s an excellent time to dedicate to looking ahead.

In January and February, we have the opportunity to set our path for the year ahead. To navigate through another year with purpose. What do you hope to achieve by the time we hit 31 December 2022? Sure, that sounds like a long way away now, but before long, we will all be commenting on how the year is flying by.

I encourage you to carve out some time in your work calendar to dedicate to locking in the four points on your self-leadership compass. Your four areas can be as broad and specific as you like, and they are unique to you. Within your points, map out a short description and a few key goals so that you can come back to your compass weekly and quickly understand if you are on track. Set your compass up in a way that feels good to you. If you’re stuck on tangible goals, leave them out until you gain better clarity.

Here are some examples of points and areas you might include in your self-leadership compass and how you may expand on each:

Radical responsibility

Regardless of what 2022 brings my way, I will take responsibility for myself and my behaviour. I accept that I have choices in most things. I will change anything within my power and let go of what is outside my control.

Key goals:

????I’ll spend 10 minutes writing about the role I played in a leadership situation I felt went well during the week.

????I’ll spend another 10 minutes writing about the role I played in a leadership situation I felt didn’t go well during the week.

????After completing the above writing exercises, I’ll consider what I need to let go of and improve in the future.

Mental health

I understand that to be the best leader I can be to my team, I need to take care of my inner world. My team is made up of people rather than employees or numbers. I’m dedicated to supporting them to be the best version of themselves. I encourage them to speak up (when they feel comfortable doing so) about any aspects of their lives that may impact their performance.

Key goals:

????I’ll spend five minutes each day meditating.

????I will organise regular meetings with my team to check in on how they are coping.

????I have an open-door policy to create the best possible workplace culture.

Education

I’m a lifetime learner, and I believe we are all constantly learning. I invest in myself and my team continuously.

?Key goals:

????I will commit to doing one online course every quarter.

????Each quarter, I’ll ask my team if they are interested in any courses they feel would enhance their ability to perform in their roles.

????I commit to mentoring three people outside of my workplace in 2022.

Challenge

I’m dedicated to challenging myself in 2022 rather than opting for my comfort zone. This year, I will continue to do things that create a ripple effect across other areas of my life, including things that make me a better leader.

Key goals:

????Say ‘yes’ more often than ‘no’.

????Try a new sporting activity.

????Read one book a month.

Self-leadership is all about having the ability to look within yourself with the view to improve how you can show up to better support others. While some people are naturally more gifted leaders, I believe we all have a leadership role to play to some extent.

What points are on your self-leadership compass in 2022?

Deborah Wilson is a Thought Leader and a Career Strategist. She takes a personalised approach to strategic career coaching and career transitions, mentoring and leadership development. Deborah provides expert guidance for individuals while supporting organisations through change and connecting people and purpose.

Call Deborah on +61 403 779 746.?www.ontalent.com.au