Time for Annual Planning!

Happy 2026!

‍

Did your 2026 start as strong as mine did?? I dove right back into some great client work last week, which made for a high-energy start to the year. But now, as I sit here, nearly halfway through the month, I realize I should say, “Happy New Year!” and write my annual intentions email! 😀

‍

In my last newsletter of 2025, I shared a handful of reflection prompts to wrap up the year. As I think ahead to 2026, I’m focusing most of my energy on just one question:

‍

What do I want more of this year?

‍

My default is to notice the things I want less of. I’m very good at that.

‍

But focusing on what I’m moving toward instead has been fun and energizing. And, as it turns out, there are a few really important things I want to move toward, and I am excited to share them with you.

‍

Here's what I'll be focusing on in 2026 (and what you can expect to hear more about throughout the year!):

‍

🔥 Community-led practices and engagements

‍

Last year I made an important shift toward facilitating more community-led, learner-centered leadership development. By the end of the year, I had pared my use of PowerPoint way down and created more space for participant-generated content and conversation. Spaces that honor the wisdom of the group create an entirely different level of trust, connection, engagement, and impact - and I'm excited to keep refining those practices in the year ahead.

‍

🔥 Partnerships

‍

Toward the end of 2025, I had the absolute pleasure of co-facilitating two engagements. The new energy, the new ideas, and the freedom of not doing everything myself made me think, “Yes… more of this, please.” I’m lucky to be surrounded by brilliant people, and I’m excited to keep building together. (If partnerships are on your list too, let’s connect!)

‍

🔥 Learning

‍

As the world changes, our approach to organizational leadership has to change, too. For me, learning isn’t just about new information - it’s about new perspectives, new connections, and improving my ability to serve the people I work with. From books to certifications to (🤞🏼) my county’s leadership program, 2026 is shaping up to be a deep-dive learning year.

‍

🔥 Focus

‍

I’m easily distracted and a terrible multitasker. Once I start splitting my attention, it’s over. But when I remember to use something as simple as the Pomodoro method for a couple of hours, I usually experience a higher level of productivity and ease. So I’m putting “more focus” back on my list this year. If you have focus tips you love, please send them my way!

‍

When I step back and look at these “more ofs,” I realize they’re part goals and part commitments.

‍

They require high levels of trust, flexibility, experimentation, communication, and accountability. These are things I'm seeing leaders at all levels of organizations working on right now, and I'm happy to be learning alongside the folks I also have the honor of supporting.

‍

Cheers to 2026 and whatever it has in store for you!

‍