Instead of goals, try compass questions
Well, hello there. Here we are in 2024 and it’s February already. What?
As we return to our professional lives after the summer break, it’s a perfect moment for introspection and setting the tone for the year ahead. This year, I’m shifting from setting traditional goals or resolutions to embracing what I’m calling “compass questions”.
These are guiding principles, phrased as questions, designed to steer how you, as an individual and a leader, make decisions and navigate towards your “true north” through life's complexities.
Unlike rigid goals, compass questions offer a flexible, reliable and enduring approach to help your decision-making.
Here are four example compass questions to guide you through the year …
1. How can I lead with empathy here?
This question encourages you to prioritise understanding and connecting with those around you on a human level. It's about considering their perspectives, acknowledging their challenges, and showing genuine care. This daily reflection can transform the way you interact with your colleagues, fostering a more collaborative and supportive work environment.
2. Am I being open to adapting here?
The only constant is change, and this question prompts you to embrace flexibility and openness. It encourages you to consider new ideas and strategies, especially when faced with unexpected changes or challenges. This mindset is key to navigating uncertainties and seizing opportunities for growth and innovation.
3. What else could be true here?
We are assumption making machines. It’s not practical or necessary to be constantly examining those assumptions (“hmm, I’m assuming this light will switch on when I flick the switch, interesting”) but in particularly high-stakes situations or where something seems to be derailing, it’s well worth the time and effort to examine your own assumptions and consider what else might be true.
4. What choice will align with my integrity here?
Integrity is crucial in all aspects of leadership and life. This question helps you align your actions with your core values. It acts as a moral compass, ensuring honesty, transparency, and trustworthiness in your professional conduct. This principle is fundamental for building trust and achieving sustainable success. Plus you’ll sleep better.
These compass questions become particularly powerful in moments of difficult choices or challenging circumstances, providing clarity and direction.
Feel free to adapt these questions or create your own. The aim is to have a set of personal guiding questions that resonate with your own values and leadership style.
Let’s embrace this year with a focus on principles that not only guide our professional choices but also enrich our personal growth. Here’s to a year of leading with empathy, embracing adaptability, and living with integrity.
Let me know your own compass questions!
Until next week,
Take care of yourself and others
Madeleine
PS If you’d like a sounding board as you lead your team and organisation through 2024 and beyond, let me know and please share with anyone you think may benefit.
I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.
1. Want to find out more? Send me a note and let me know.
2. Feeling unfulfilled, overworked or unclear about what next? Work with me to identify what is holding you back and make a plan for more powerfully and enjoyably pursuing goals that matter to you. Contact me to find out more.
3. Join my list to receive regular articles and insights, early news about programs and offers, and respect for your inbox.
4. Follow me on LinkedIn to stay connected.
5. Prefer to talk? Choose a time and it will drop right into my schedule.
Click below to share this on your socials…