Owner's Manual

JANUARY 2, 2024

For the first post of 2024, I am sharing an impactful exercise that I experienced with a small group of talented AD’s during the 20-21 academic year. ?

Every month from August through May, we had a monthly Zoom call with our cohort leader – the incredibly talented Travis Wyckoff.?? Travis is an elite leader, Christian, family man, and friend.??

Each month, we would discuss leadership topics, share information and resources, and discuss best practices for culture, strategy, and pouring into others.? ?Powerful!

Keep in mind, 2020-21 was an extraordinary for everyone in our country – no matter your circumstances.?? Thus, having this cohort was a true gift.

One of our initial exercises was to complete our Owner’s Manual.? It was an introspection exercise that required being completely vulnerable AND painfully honest.? Again, Powerful! ?

Our group of five was tasked to share our manual with the group during our monthly calls.? We each took a portion of that month’s lesson.? I took it a step farther and shared my manual with our head coaches and administrative direct reports (and asked for candid feedback!).??

My introduction is below:

?INTRODUCTION

This is another tool towards maximizing my own self-introspection and being a leader in self-evaluation and communication, not just the leader of our program.?? I hope by writing and sharing this that our executive leadership and coaches will use this in their own units and be transparent relative to our collaboration, communication, and connectivity as a department.

Four of the primary sections were:

• ?HOW I VIEW SUCCESS
• WHAT DOES BEING GOOD AT YOUR JOB MEAN TO YOU?
• HOW I COMMUNICATE
• WHAT I EXPECT FROM PEOPLE I MANAGE

Each section had detailed questions and required deep thought (not a one-time sitting that you try to rush through and finish in 30 minutes ??).??

In upcoming posts, I will be sharing some of my answers and reflections – both on thought leadership and my own leadership style, quirks, flaws, and (hopefully) some strengths.?? It is a valuable tool that truly helped navigate a turbulent time.

A blessed and prosperous 2024 to each of you?-

Cheers!