The V State of Leadership: Reflecting on Growth and Future Vision

As we approach the end of another transformative year in leadership, I invite you to focus on the power of reflection and intentional visioning. In a recent group coaching session, I guided leaders through a process that I believe is essential for anyone seeking to grow in their leadership journey.

When we talk about leadership, we often get caught up in titles and positions. However, I've learned through years of coaching that true leadership is something far more profound—it's a state of being that manifests in our daily actions and choices.

Consider for a moment the simple yet powerful words of Donald McGannon: "Leadership is an action, not a position." This truth has repeatedly revealed itself in my work with leaders across various industries. The most impactful leaders I've encountered aren't necessarily those with the most impressive titles; they're the ones who consistently choose to show up with intention and purpose.

I encourage my clients to begin their reflection process by identifying specific wins and challenges from the past year. This isn't just an exercise in remembering—it's about recognizing patterns of growth and resilience. When we acknowledge how we've navigated difficult situations and celebrated victories, we build a stronger foundation for future leadership decisions.

The concept of the "V state" in leadership is particularly helpful in this process. It represents both where we are and where we're headed—our current state of being and our vision for the future. Through mindful reflection and intentional focus, we can shape this state to align with our deepest leadership aspirations.

One of my favorite analogies comes from Star Wars: "Your focus determines your reality." In leadership, this couldn't be more true. The way we choose to direct our attention and energy shapes not only our experience but the impact we have on others.

As we look ahead to the coming year, I invite leaders to move beyond the traditional goal-setting mindset. Instead, consider: What is the leadership reputation you're working to build? How do you want to show up in your daily interactions? What small, positive actions can you take consistently to embody your leadership vision?

Remember, leadership development isn't about perfection—it's about progression. It's about making conscious choices in how we show up, how we respond to challenges, and how we create value for others. As we close out this year and look toward the next, let's embrace leadership as a journey of continuous growth and intentional action.

The most powerful leadership transformations often begin with simple moments of reflection and clear intention. What will your leadership V state look like in the year ahead?

'V' State Video: The V State of Leadership:Transform Your 2025 Vision