Earlier sunsets and cooler mornings herald the changing seasons. Even though autumn has arrived, I am not yet ready for it. This is rather laughable as I choose to live in the northern hemisphere and appreciate the distinct seasons. I guess I want the changes to be on my terms…. falling leaves and fireplaces when I am ready to put away my sandals; daffodils and crocuses to appear on my schedule, not delayed with spring snow some years. Change often occurs in a way that is not on our terms. 

In working with clients in North America and in the European Union, I am observing different rates of re-emergence from COVID and buoyant summer socializing. As children and adolescents return to school and some workplaces are cautiously re-opening, there is an opportunity for all of us to start afresh. 

What work relationships do you want to foster? Is there a young person or mid-career professional that you would like to mentor? If you are returning to the office, now or months from now, think of yourself as joining that organization as if for the first time. What is the persona you want to portray? What kind of leader do you aspire to be? Can you improve your executive presence? What about your influence and impact?

If you will be working remotely on a permanent basis, consider it is as a new beginning. Do you have a good office setup? Consider lighting, ergonomics, and privacy. What about clothing? If you migrate from summer shorts and t-shirts to leggings, baggy sweaters or sweatshirts, are you going to do your best work? Perhaps it is time to invest in some casual work-at-home clothes that better reflect the professional that you are. 

Perform a health check on your network. Have you acquired solid new professional relationships over the past two years? Have you stayed connected with your colleagues in other industries and geographies? Whether you are considering making a career change or staying where you are, now is the time to solidify your contacts and reach out a helping hand to others who may be feeling adrift. 

Now is the time to plan for and pursue your professional development. Are you targeting board director opportunities in a new/particular industry? Perhaps it is time to break out of your comfort zone and make that move from operations to running a P&L. Professional development abounds, from ICD and NACD to master’s programs and executive development at the best schools. Or maybe a new hobby would bring some joy into your life.

Many of us developed some lassitude during lockdowns, observing political finger pointing and from isolated days working through Zoom. Change has been and will continue to be placed upon us. Yet we still write the chapters that form our life stories. 

If not now, when? 

Elevate your leadership performance by learning from some of the best. Pick up a copy of my book, The 360 Degree CEO: Generating Profits While Leading and Living with Passion and Principles, available on Amazon.

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© 2021 Lorraine A. Moore. All rights reserved. Permission granted to excerpt or reprint with attribution.