New Year’s Resolutions: Shaping Exceptional Leaders

Can New Year’s resolutions develop your leadership skills in 2024?

As we return to work and embark on a new year, it is not uncommon to hear or be asked by a colleague: “So, do you have any New Year’s resolutions?”

For many, the start of the year is about setting up goals for the year ahead. Both personal, and professional.

The power of resolutions is through their ability to propel us towards success. Whether you resolve to get to the gym more, or spend more time with your residents, success and your ability to achieve these resolutions is determined by leadership traits – a number of which we explored during 2023’s Village Summit event across the country.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Think about it, a resolution is a goal. Achieving that goal takes having a vision of why the goal is important – a purpose to motivate you. It takes planning and setting smaller milestones along the way.

Imagine your resolutions as destinations on a map. Like most journeys on a map, getting from A to B is not linear – and neither will be achieving your goals for the year ahead.

“Making a New Year’s Resolution is one thing. Remaining resolute and seeing them through is quite another.” – Alex Morritt

To ensure the resolutions don’t become mere tokens of good intent, it’s crucial to incorporate moments of reflection and accountability throughout the year. These check-ins act as a compass, guiding us back to our purpose and helping us stay focused on the larger mission.

Without regular check-ins, we risk veering off course, losing sight of the progress made and the milestones yet to be achieved.

Reflective moments provide an opportunity to celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and adjust our course if needed. It’s in these moments that true leadership skills can be developed. Adaptability, resilience and importantly, accountability of self.

Accountability transforms lofty ideas into tangible achievements.

“Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results, not attributes.” – Peter Drucker

All the traits you demonstrate in realising your resolutions or goals are the building blocks of exceptional leadership.

As you embark on this year’s resolution journey, remember that the true magic happens not just in setting the goals but in the intentional steps we take to achieve them.