Recently I wrote about the questions leaders could and should be asking about their organizations as they plan for the New Year.
Now let’s focus on the questions you as a leader could and should be asking yourself:
1. What were the biggest lessons of the past year?
2. What evidence do I have of growth in my personal and professional life?
3. What do I need to change? What are the top three things I need to: start doing, do consistently, stop doing or do differently?
4. What are the greatest threats for my future success and what can I do now to avoid or minimize them?
5. Am I clear on my purpose and values?
6. Do I regularly experience fulfillment and meaning in my life?
7. How much time do I spend thinking each day?
8. Am I taking good care of my important relationships?
9. Do I consistently do those things I’m best at and enjoy doing?
10. Do I understand and benefit from the difference between activity and accomplishment?
11. What are my four biggest personal goals for the coming year?
12. What can I do to maintain or improve my physical health?
13. Am I giving adequate attention to the spiritual dimension of my life?
14. Do I still desire to lead?
Mark, I read your previous post about the questions leaders ask; they touch on important topics for our day. Then I read this post and was even more impressed. Too seldom do we take a deep, introspective look at our thoughts and behaviors. It’s easy to see bad behavior in others; not so easy to see it in ourselves.
Your questions are significant for leaders and I believe are also important for people who may not consider themselves leaders. Anyone who is interested in improving his or her relationships, health and life in general will benefit by asking — and answering — these questions. -Michael