Your Leadership Year Ahead
A Guided Reflection to Clarify Your 2026 Vision (45-60 minutes)
Each December, I pause to look back before looking ahead.
I take time to notice what mattered most, what stretched me, and what I want to intentionally carry into the next year. It’s one of the most powerful leadership practices I know: making space for reflection before setting direction.
This guided reflection is designed to help you clarify your leadership vision for 2026. Think of it as a conversation with yourself. It’s a chance to realign around what truly matters and define where you want to focus your energy in the year ahead.
As leaders, we’re often moving fast. But clarity comes in the pause. When we reflect on where we’ve been and what we’ve learned, we can step forward with greater intention, confidence, and purpose.
Set aside 45–60 minutes, find a quiet space, and give yourself the gift of reflection.
Step 1: Reflect on 2025 (10 minutes)
Before you look ahead, look back. Take 10 minutes to consider:
What were your three most meaningful leadership moments this year?
What did you learn about yourself as a leader?
Where did you grow the most?
Where do you still feel stretched?
What patterns or themes show up in how you lead, decide, or communicate?
Step 2: Prioritize for 2026 (15 minutes)
1. Clarity begins with focus. Reflect on the following:
What patterns or strengths from 2025 will you carry forward?
Which areas of your leadership need the most intentional growth next year?
How will you align your team and personal priorities with your vision?
2. Now, identify your 3–5 most important areas of attention for the year ahead. Consider dimensions such as
Strengthening team culture
Advancing strategic priorities
Developing leadership presence
Enhancing communication and decision-making
Investing in personal growth
If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:
“It’s December 2026, what am I most proud of having made progress on?”
Step 3: Define Goals and Behaviors (15 minutes)
For each focus area, connect your vision to action.
Example:
Focus Area - Team Culture
Measurable Outcome - Strengthen trust and collaboration across the leadership team.
Leadership Behavior - Model transparency and consistency in every meeting.
Reflect:
What daily or weekly habits will move you closer to these outcomes?
Step 4: Commit and Share (5 minutes)
A vision becomes real when it’s shared and practiced.
Who will you share your 2026 vision with for accountability?
How will you communicate it to your team to create shared alignment?
What will success look and feel like by the end of 2026?