There's Power In Being An Intentional Leader

Can you believe it’s September already? You know what that means – it’s time for a fresh focus on my “Level Up with Grace” series. This year, we’re taking a deep dive into something that can truly change the game for you: Intentional Leadership. Whether you’re just getting your feet wet in the professional world or already a seasoned pro, one thing’s for sure: You’ve got to be intentional about how you move up the ladder.

A fabulous career doesn’t just happen. You have to create it!

That’s my motto, and I believe this happens by being intentional, which for me is that sweet spot between being prepared and luck. It’s about making things happen rather than waiting around for life to happen to you. You’ve taken the time to think through where you want to end up and backed that up with strategic action. This means you’re always ready when those serendipitous moments just “happen” to find you. As the kids say, “You don’t have to get ready because you stay ready!” That’s intentional leadership.

Why Intentionality Matters

It’s so easy to get swept up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of where you’re trying to go. That’s where intentionality comes in. It’s your secret weapon for staying on track and making sure you’re not just floating along but actually steering the ship.

Think of intentionality as your career’s GPS. Without it, you might find yourself driving in circles, wondering how you got so off-course. But with it? You’ve got a clear destination and the directions to get there. When you’re intentional, you’re not leaving anything to chance. You’re setting yourself up for success by actively creating opportunities instead of waiting for them to knock on your door.

How to Be Intentional

So, how do you actually go about being intentional? It’s simpler than you might think. Here are a few North Star tips to help you stay on track:

1. Get Clear on Your Vision: Start by figuring out what you really want. What does success look like to you? Whether it’s landing that dream job, leading a project, or even finding more balance in your life, know what you’re aiming for. A lot of people miss this step and then feel disappointed that life didn’t turn out the way they hoped. But their vision was never clear to begin with.
2. Set Real Goals: Once you’ve got your vision, break it down into bite-sized goals. Make them specific and give yourself deadlines. This way, you’ll have a clear path to follow and something to celebrate all along your way.
3. Be Smart with Your Time: You cannot cheat Father Time. He gives us all the same 24 hours a day, but it’s how you use the hours he doles out that counts. Your job is to stay focused! Know what really matters, and cut out the distractions. Intentionally refocusing some of that Netflix binge time with tasks that impact your life might be a good place to start!?
4. Embrace Challenges: Don’t shy away from the yucky stuff. Think of every challenge as a chance to grow. Embrace a growth mindset; you’ll see setbacks as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
5. Act with Purpose: Before making a move, ask yourself, “Is this helping me get closer to my goal?” If the answer is yes, go for it. If not, maybe it’s time to reconsider.
6. Reflect and Adjust: I have learned the hard way that life is not always a straight path. Surprisingly, it was the unexpected curve balls life threw me that forced me in a new, better direction. Take time to check in with yourself, see how you’re doing, and don’t be afraid to tweak your plan if needed. Intentionality doesn’t mean being rigid and sticking to your life plan no matter what! It’s about being flexible and thoughtful about your journey.

Being an intentional leader means designing a career that’s not only successful but also meaningful.

What It Means to Be an Intentional Leader

An intentional leader doesn’t just lead – they lead with purpose and clarity. They make decisions that align with their goals and values, always keeping the bigger picture in mind. They’re proactive, not reactive, taking deliberate steps to create the outcomes they want. Being intentional also means being thoughtful about your impact on others and ensuring your leadership benefits the entire team, organization, or community. Intentional leaders recognize your methodology goes beyond doing it just for yourself. You’re aware that the next generation of Black women aren’t just watching every move you make but how you make those moves! Intentional leaders inspire trust, build strong relationships, and make decisions that move everyone forward, not just themselves.

In a nutshell, being an intentional leader means designing a career that’s not only successful but also meaningful. Over the next few months, I’ll help you get comfortable exploring how you can bring more intentionality into your life and help you not just level up but do it with impact and “Grace” because that’s who I am!

Remember, always be intentional!

Level Up with Grace is an award-winning newsletter created and designed for African-American women in corporate America (and others) who want to unapologetically create and maintain a stellar career. Executive coach Cheryl Grace shares a curated collection of insights, strategies, and tactics on change management, conflict resolution, and professional development to help women excel and advance to their next level, regardless of where they are in their career journey. Please subscribe and share!

Powerful Penny LLC is a holistic leadership development company specializing in executive coaching, change management, and conflict resolution. We work with corporations seeking to promote, retain, and support diverse talent and diverse professionals seeking to advance to their next level of career success. Our professional development services, coaching programs, and speaking/workshop series are fully customizable. Discover how we can help you achieve your desired long-term results!

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Shutterstock Stock Images often illustrated by the fabulously talented Natalia Hubbert .