Most leaders know when they’ve fallen short and many know where they need to improve. They can often identify blind spots in delegation, decisiveness, empathy, strategic thinking--you name it. The gap? Turning that awareness into actual change.
Making valuable changes can be tough for leaders because even though they know their shortcomings, they can feel like they're flying blind when it comes to addressing them. So, how can they reach their potential? That’s where a LEADERSHIP ACTION PLAN can help--a structured set of strategies and procedures for improving your leadership skills over a set period of time…a framework that bridges the divide between good intentions and measurable growth.
PLAN THE FLIGHT & FLY THE PLAN
A leadership action plan is key to developing better, more constructive leadership capabilities. But what makes it effective? Here are 3 key ways a plan can help you zero in on improved leadership:
● Converts self-assessment insights into concrete action steps to take to enhance your leadership skills
● Establishes timelines with accountability checkpoints, so you can track measurable progress (not just feelings of improvement)
● Enables deliberate practice of specific behaviors that lead to more effective leadership
CHARTING A NEW COURSE
When you commit to a leadership action plan, positive change happens.
Blind spots become growth zones. Any weaknesses you’ve identified become concrete development goals with actionable steps and feedback mechanisms.
Vague objectives become measurable milestones. Open-ended directions like “Be more strategic” turn into clear guidance like “Schedule weekly planning meetings and complete market trend analyses quarterly.”
Isolated insights become lasting momentum. Leadership development stops being an afterthought and becomes embedded in your routine--with accountability built into the plan.
Having a leadership action plan provides the organization and clarity needed to navigate from where you are now to where you want to be--it eliminates the guesswork so you can take flight and stay ahead of the leadership curve.
CLOSE THE GAP
Are you ready to stop flying blind? Here’s your flight plan:
- Conduct an honest self-assessment. Identify 2-3 leadership areas that you need to develop most. Be specific--instead of “communication,” try “giving direct feedback in difficult conversations.”
- Define success clearly. What does improvement look like to you? Set clear, measurable outcomes--for example, “Conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with team leaders,” and “Make budget request decisions within 48 hours.”
- Create your timeline. Break your development plan into action steps to be taken over 30, 60, and 90 days. Identify resources you can use and designate accountability partners.
- Build in checkpoints. Schedule regular performance and progress reviews. What’s working? What needs to change? Where can you flex or adapt?
The difference between good leadership and exceptional leadership is intentionality. Start with intentionality: create a leadership action plan today. Don’t let another day go by knowing what needs to change, but not making any adjustments. What’s one leadership quality or skill you’ll develop in the next 90 days?
