Happy New Year!
These three words ring relief and comfort. They say it like no other. There are second chances in so many ways…it can be better!

For many of us, it’s hard to believe that the end of another year has come and gone. Another year of serving in leadership and experiencing the joys of accomplishment as the lives of others have been made better because of your directing, prayers, and guidance. For others of us, not so much. Maybe this past year of leadership was not as great, nor as joyous. You probably wanted more goals accomplished, maybe you had greater expectations for your teams, or maybe you just wanted to demonstrate to others your leadership skills and capabilities. I get it!

Nonetheless, I for one am grateful for you and leaders everywhere who are committed to the work of leadership. You provide vision, push others, sacrifice, set goals, provide resources, give encouragement, and so much more. You often do the work of leadership while you yourself are in need of support for growth, encouragement, and guidance.

The truth is leadership is hard. We don’t always get it right, even after having a whole year of exercising leadership practices. At times leadership can be so rewarding and productive. Other times leadership can be frustrating and leave you feeling unsure and discouraged. I can’t tell you the number of times I questioned if I was in the right lane.

Regardless of where you are in your current leadership role or position, don’t give up! Our great God has called you and will support you. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us: “so do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” The helper of Israel will help you! What will he help you do in your leadership? He will meet you right where you are in your leadership challenges. Psalm 78:62 invites us to see how he supported David with integrity of heart; and skillful hands to lead the people. The great helper of Israel will do the same for you in whatever leadership task or specific area of need you have.

You are right where you are supposed to be
Twenty twenty-two, keep going! A new year is an opening to realign your leadership efforts and another chance for a renewed commitment to leadership. You may ask: what does this renewed commitment to leadership look like? You are continuously looking for ways to improve, to tweak, to change, and to innovate. In other words, another chance to make whatever needs to be better, better.

Consider creating a personal, leadership action plan.

A leadership action plan helps us identify our strengths and weaknesses so that we can take action to become a stronger, more effective leader. Basically, the leadership action plan is an insightful way to plan how you will take action to develop the skills necessary to assume higher-level leadership practices. Traditionally, we tend to focus on improving our weaknesses. However, research has shown that by enhancing our strengths, we can reap greater benefit. Consider where you are strongest and how you might lean into your strengths in the coming quarter.

As we go into 2022 consider God’s Word:
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be, not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (I Peter 5:2-4).

DOWNLOAD THE LEADERSHIP ACTION PLAN WORKSHEET

HAPPY NEW YEAR!