Issue 32: The Best Leaders Don’t Just Set Goals. They Check In.


ISSUE 32

26 FEBRUARY 2025 | READ ONLINE

Hi Reader,

We’re closing in on the end of February. That means we’re just one month away from wrapping up Q1.

If you’re a purpose-driven leader, this is your cue to pause and ask:

  • Am I where I expected to be?
  • What’s working? What’s not?
  • Do I need to adjust my strategy?

When I led teams as a corporate executive, strategic planning, check-ins, and retrospectives weren’t “extra” work. They were part of the work. We didn’t just set goals and hope for the best. We built in structured moments to assess progress, course-correct, and realign.

Your career and leadership journey deserve the same level of rigor.

We talk a lot here about purpose, mindset, and leadership. But mindset without action doesn’t drive results. Leadership without accountability doesn’t create impact.

So, let’s do a quick Q1 check-in together.

3 Simple Ways to Reset and Realign

1. Review What You Set Out to Do
Remember those goals you set in January? Revisit them. Are they still relevant? Are you making progress? Have new priorities emerged that require a pivot?

2. Look at the Data (Not Just Feelings)
It’s easy to feel like we’re making progress or frustrated that we’re not. But feelings don’t always match reality. Look at real indicators: results, feedback, milestones hit (or missed). What are the numbers, actions, or insights telling you?

3. Decide: Double Down or Adjust?
If something is working, great - keep pushing forward. But don’t wait until June to shift gears if something isn't. Course corrections now save you from bigger resets later.

Remember: The best leaders don’t just measure progress, they measure learning. If you’ve gained clarity on what not to pursue, that’s a win.

Where Are You Right Now?

When I coach leaders, I often ask: Are you in execution mode or recalibration mode?

  • If you’re in execution mode, stay focused. Block time for deep work. Protect momentum.
  • If you’re in recalibration mode, give yourself permission to rethink. Don’t let sunk costs or ego keep you attached to something that no longer serves you.

Your leadership isn’t defined by having the perfect plan. It’s defined by how well you adapt.

This Week’s Insights

Here’s what I’ve been writing about on LinkedIn this past week:

💡 I Don't Need LinkedIn”: A new client who is early in his career is questioning whether he needs to build a network on LinkedIn. Let's say I'm encouraging him to do it. Read it here.

💡 Be the Leader Who Builds, Not Blocks”: We all want to be an empowering and collaborative leader, but sometimes we act as gatekeepers, not guides. In this post, I suggest 5 ways to stop blocking and start building.

💡 I Don't Wait for Certainty”: In this post, I'm encouraging you to make a decision and go for it. Yes, we all have uncertainty, but the most successful leaders learn, adapt, and keep going.

What’s Next?

We’ve got a little more than 30 days left in Q1. Enough time to make real progress. But only if you act with intention.

  • Pick one priority that will move the needle the most.
  • Set a measurable outcome - what does success look like
  • Commit to focused action every week until March 31st.

Big results don’t come from doing everything but from executing on the right things.

Here’s to leading with intention, not just action.

Megan

P.S. Hit reply and tell me ... what’s one thing you’re adjusting for Q2? I’d love to hear.

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Dr. Megan Tranter | Purpose Pathfinders

Learn from former Amazon & Netflix exec how to build a purpose-led career and life, make an impact, get that promotion, make more $, and be happy while you're doing it.

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