Visionary Leader Tune-Up

Just like our cars, we all need a tune-up from time to time. And exactly like our cars, we benefit most from tune-ups when there is not a visible problem and definitely before what were a few minor problems lead to a breakdown. When I was a young adult, I used to run my Chevy Vega until something failed and then the whole situation was stressful and very expensive. Ever done that as a leader? It can easily happen when we are on auto pilot, experiencing stress or overwhelm, and devoting too much energy into putting out fires instead of building for the future.

One standard definition of tune-up is a general adjustment or optimization for peak performance. But what is known as a “tun-up” in reggae music means to get hyped up, excited or energized and reveling in joy. This is a great reminder that a tune-up isn't so we can accomplish more by driving forward but helps us rebalance into the place of flowing with our vision and enjoyment of what we are bringing into the world. A tune-up also needs to include mind/body/soul rejuvenation, so we are bringing our full self into what we are doing but also, so we have the stamina and resilience to continue and have a life we love.

To get the most out of your tune-up, set aside some time (or times) when you can be quiet, breathe, and reflect. Have a notebook or journal at hand to jot down notes/thoughts/musings/inspirations.

Here are some questions to guide you through your tune-up:

What am I most excited about right now in my work/as a leader?

What do I most love to do as a leader/in my work at this phase of my life?

Who do I most like to serve as clients/customers? Which ones put a smile on my face, make my heart sing, and make me feel like I am in the flow of life?

How often do I do the things that I most love to do in my work/as a leader - how big a percentage of my workday am I doing them? (Ideally most of your time is spent on the things you most love to do.)

At this time in my life, how would I most like to have an impact on the world/leave my mark/be of service/make the world a better place?

Are my interactions with clients/staff/partners healthy and loving in my leadership? If not, which are challenges right now? How could I shift these relationships?

Do I treat myself as a cherished loved one with tenderness, compassion, and supportive thoughts and actions as a leader? Is my physical and spiritual healh where I want it to be? If not, how can I better care for self/reduce stress?

What is my one-year vision for my work/company/organization/department? (State in the present tense as if happening now and include how you feel and what good qualities you are experiencing such as clarity/power/joy/harmony, flesh it out.)

Based on this vision, what are 3-5 intentions you will declare in relation to your work path/company/organization/career for the coming months? (Intentions are specific things you want to create that feel amazing.)

A final step of your tune-up is find or make a visual image or images or find an object the represents your one-year vision in its fullness and look at it often.