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Let’s talk about growth. This applies to personal growth as well as professional and organizational growth. And this is a great time of year to pause and reflect on your status as well as that of your company.

Are you growing, or are you stuck?

Is your company growing – or struggling to maintain status quo?

Here’s the thing: while we like to think of growth as linear and on a constant incline, the truth is that sometimes growth looks more like a winding road, with a lot of ups and downs. The key is to keep moving forward, despite the obstacles.

So, how can you grow – personally, professionally, and organizationally?

It requires reflection and intention.

First, let’s reflect.

• Where are you growing in your personal leadership?
• Where are you stuck?
• How are you growing professionally?
• Where are you falling behind?
• What changes would you make if you could?
• Organizationally, how are your key performance indicators doing?
• What is working well, and what is not working?
• What needs to be jettisoned in lieu of new and better opportunities?

Then, let’s move forward with intent.

Personal Growth

My dear mentor, Dan Miller, author of 48 Days to the Work You Love, went to great lengths to grow and develop on a continual basis. He read a variety of books, led mastermind groups, and pursued varied interests. He listened to and learned from people at all levels and across many vocations. His intentional personal growth made him the beloved leader that he was.

Professional Growth

To lead others, you must be able to lead yourself. This means growing throughout your career by learning new things, developing new ideas, and making new connections. These things don’t just happen; they are forged with intent.

This means intentionally studying business and your industry to determine what the new frontiers are that you need to explore.

It means thinking through possibilities and gathering a team around you who can brainstorm new ideas.

And it certainly means getting out of your office on a regular basis and making connections with your family and friends, your employees, your peers, and your community.

Organizational Growth

Is your organization focused on results? Have you clearly defined your KPIs? Are you reaching milestones on time and on budget?

Organizational growth does not happen in a vacuum. It happens with laser focus, a strong mission, clear values, and measurable goals.

Action Plan

Consider these three areas and create an action plan for the rest of the year that is focused on growth in each area.

• What 1-3 things can you do to grow personally?
  Is there a hobby you want to pursue, a book you want to read, or a trip you want to take?
• What 1-3 things do you need to do to grow professionally?
  Do you need to study books on leadership, take a class, or join a mentorship? Do you need to create and/or join a mastermind group or engage with a coach?
• What 1-3 things do you need to implement for organizational growth?
  Do you have a strong mission? Clear values? Measurable goals? What do you need to add – or subtract – in order to maximize focus?

This is the time to get ready for the next season of life and business. You can decide today to grow toward success. Reflect, then act with intent!

For valuable resources on Leadership Strengths and Tools, click here.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!