Setting Intentions for Leadership Success

In this engaging episode of the Seasons Leadership Podcast, Debbie Collard and Susan Ireland delve into the essential leadership practice of setting meaningful intentions. Unlike typical goal-setting, intentions provide clarity and purpose, grounding leaders in their vision, mission, and values—especially during uncertain times. Debbie and Susan share personal stories, explore the AIM SMART framework, and offer practical accountability strategies to help leaders turn their intentions into impactful progress.

⏰ Episode Breakdown & Key Highlights:

• 00:00 | Welcome & Why Setting Intentions Matters
• Debbie and Susan kick off the episode by discussing how intention-setting differs from goal-setting.
• Leadership is a continuous journey—intentions bring clarity and focus.
• 01:26 | Staying Grounded in a Changing World
• Susan shares insights on how being grounded in intention helps navigate uncertainty.
• Revisiting and adjusting intentions is key as life and leadership demands evolve.
• 03:20 | The Foundational Leadership Triad
• Debbie explains the triad:
• Vision: Where you’re headed.
• Mission: Why you exist.
• Values: How you show up and operate.
• Aligning intentions with these elements creates clarity and impact.
• 04:39 | Intention as Your Leadership Compass
• Debbie shares a simple mantra: “Shampoo, rinse, repeat.”
• Recommit to your intentions regularly and make adjustments when needed.
• 06:41 | Making Intentions Part of Your Routine
• Susan suggests incorporating intention-setting into weekly reflections.
• Leadership requires ongoing connection to your purpose—“set it and forget it” doesn’t work.
• 07:43 | Getting Started When You Feel Stuck
• Debbie recommends starting with micro-steps when the big picture feels overwhelming.
• Use the leadership triad as a filter for decision-making.
• 09:30 | Small Steps, Big Progress
• Susan emphasizes the power of momentum—clarity emerges through action.
• Flexibility is crucial; adjust your approach as you learn.
• 11:46 | The AIM SMART Framework
• Debbie breaks down the AIM SMART process:
• AIM:
• Acceptable: Minimum achievement.
• Ideal: Best-case scenario.
• Middle: Realistic but challenging target.
• SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound.
• “When you define success before you start, you recognize progress as it happens.” — Debbie
• 13:40 | Building Momentum with Small Wins
• Susan discusses how celebrating progress builds confidence and keeps motivation high.
• 19:05 | Accountability: Your Leadership Accelerator
• Debbie shares how accountability partners have helped her stay committed to personal goals.
• Susan highlights the "Don’t Break the Chain" method—plus the important reminder: Never skip two days in a row.
• 22:11 | Leading with Intentions That Guide Teams
• Leaders can inspire teams by setting clear, time-bound intentions linked to a broader vision.
• Susan prompts leaders to ask: “What does success look like next quarter? Next year?”
• 24:04 | Real-Life Application: Health as a Leadership Practice
• Debbie applies the AIM SMART framework to personal wellness goals, showcasing the value of tracking progress over time.
• 28:02 | Embracing Change, Leading with Intention
• “Change is inevitable. Growth is intentional.” — Susan
• Leaders who embrace discomfort open new opportunities for themselves and others.
• 29:40 | Final Insights & Action Steps
• Debbie offers actionable next steps:
• Write down your vision, mission, values, and intention.
• Schedule regular reflections.
• Find accountability methods that work for you.
• Start now. Adjust as you grow.

✨ Key Quotes:

“Leadership is about showing up intentionally every season of your life.” — Susan

“Sustainable leadership happens when you lead in alignment with your values.” — Debbie

💬 Join the Conversation:
Debbie and Susan would love to hear your insights. Share your leadership journey with the Seasons Leadership community on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/seasons-leadership-development/ 

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