Many thanks to those who took part in the recent NCLCA Institute. If you have not already done so, please complete the assessment survey so that we can learn from your feedback as we move forward. You can access it HERE.
As we discussed at the beginning of the Institute, we hoped that you would identify 2 specific, leadership goals for yourself to accomplish in the next year. If you have not emailed those to your mentor, now is a good time to elevate it on your TO DO list! It’s not too late.
In addition, we suggested that everyone identify an accountability partner to help you stick to your plans. While your mentors remain available, an accountability partner serves a different role. For example, my husband and I serve as one-another’s accountability partners for going to the gym. And David Reedy is often my accountability partner for NCLCA deadlines, which I greatly appreciate.
After an experience like the Institute, where we remained intensely focused together, it’s easy to return to our everyday responsibilities and lose sight of the ideas and plans we generated. Emailing those goals to your mentor is one way to establish your intentions but identifying someone to help you remain on task can significantly change the likelihood for success.
The American Society of Training and Development found that people are 65 percent likely to meet a goal after committing to another person. Their chances of success increase to 95 percent when they build in ongoing meetings with their partners to check in on their progress.
Have you checked in with your accountability partner yet? How about sending him/her a brief message today? Say hello, share your goals and perhaps create a timeline for progressing toward your goals as you move forward. You might want to agree on regular contact time, such as checking in at the beginning or end of each month. We all understand the demands of our busy centers, but don’t let that become a barrier to your own leadership development. You and your center will benefit!
Pat Maher
