In my work with leaders, I have been moved this year by the challenges many have faced. Loved ones have passed away, families separated, businesses struggling. There have been car accidents, injuries, surgeries, disease, lockdowns - so many lockdowns - cancelled plans. There have also been moments of connection, of joy, of love.
Every year since 2002, I have undertaken an end of year reflection and new year planning ritual. I have shared these questions and frameworks with blog readers every year. Many readers have told me how much they appreciate and enjoy the tool.
I have updated the version from last year and added a new Wall Planner that I give to all Amplifiers™.
Here is my downloadable gift for you: End of Year Reflection and Planning (no opt-in required).
Here is my downloadable and editable AMPLIFIERS™ WALL PLANNER.
Here is a brief video explaining how to fill it out.
ENJOY!
Zoë
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End of Year Insights
When I think about this year and what I’ve gained from it, the word that comes to mind is PERSPECTIVE.
Maybe this isn’t so surprising when I consider this is the theme for my award-winning book (that epithet never gets old!), People Stuff, and is also one of the main objectives of Amplifiers™. I want leaders to expand perspective!
After all, when we see more, we lead better.
Personal Insights
I like to push the envelope. This has resulted in not one, but two, back injuries. The first one kept me from running for nearly five months! This is a lesson in limits and overdoing it. I’m trying to learn moderation now.
I tend to seek approval. This really came to the fore when I sent initial ideas to a new editor about my first novel and all I wanted was to hear, “it’s ok”, or at least, “it doesn’t suck”. When I caught myself in this pattern, I had to laugh. I teach the value of feedback as an opportunity for growth. After all, it’s about the work, not the person. Not sure this one will entirely go away, but I intend to keep it on a leash.
And if you feel compelled to tell me you like my articles or podcasts or books or anything really, that is most welcome! Surely there’s a balance between needing approval and welcoming praise.
(BTW - the first draft of the novel is with the editor and he has steadfastly refused to tell me much of his opinion. I am working with the stress of suspense and being detached from any lack of approval. Careful what lessons you ask for! 😂)
The simple things are delightful. I get so much pleasure from tending to my plants, baking, and sitting on the deck listening to birds.
Insights from Books
I’ve read or listened to over 134 books this year. This amazes me! You can see the full list of my books on Goodreads. I have rated and/or reviewed most of them. Tip: I listen to audiobooks on at least 1.5x speed. The ear adjusts easily.
The book I think everyone should read
Why Are We Yelling - How to have productive disagreements by Buster Benson. His work offers hope for us to bridge polarised conversations. I also interviewed Buster on the podcast here.
Worthy Leadership Reads
It’s a massive topic! So here are some of the sub categories.
Culture
Culture Hacks by Colin D. Ellis. Pretty much anything by Colin will be useful, practical, well-researched and fun. #professionalfangirl
Inclusion
Quietly Powerful by Megumi Miki. This book won Leadership Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. It’s beautifully written and gives great voice to the usually quiet voices, so we can hear more from more.
Strategy
You Don’t Need An MBA by Alicia McKay. Alicia is a firebrand pocket rocket! Her style is fierce and frank. And smart. This book helps you to think bigger picture about the stuff that really matters.
Books that helped me think better about others
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant. Like Benson’s book, this is about holding lightly to your own perspective, so as to expand what you can see.
The Hidden Life of Trees: What they feel, how they communicate - discoveries from a secret world by Peter Wohlleben. While not about humans, I loved this extraordinary book about trees. It changed the way I see and experience nature. I hope he does a book about Australian trees and flora.
Books that helped me be a better human being
The Art of Impossible - A peak performance primer by Steven Kotler. A handbook for getting into the hyper productive and creative flow state.
Resonate: Zen and the Way of Making a Difference by Ginny Whitelaw. I loved, loved this science-based, Zen approach to managing presence and influence. I interviewed her here.
Books that help us live better
Stop Missing Your Life: How to be Deeply Present in an Un-Present World by Cory Muscara. Meditation and being present, told with beautiful stories.
The Power of Ritual by Casper del Tuille. I love how he helps bring the sacred to everyday living.
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. At first I was frustrated as I just wanted the productivity tips. So I skipped to the end where they all are, then discovered the truth of this book. It’s about living better. So I went back to the start and read it properly. Joyful!
The most overrated book
Midnight Library - so overdone. Pokes you in the eye repeatedly with its key message. Ugh.
Fiction authors I fell in love with
Jodi Picoult - her language is extraordinary! Her stories are moving. Small Great Things was stunning.
Pierce Brown - I romped through his Red Rising sci-fi series at a rapid rate of knots!
John Birmingham - I loved his Zero Day apocalyptic series. The audiobook was amazing!
Kate Quinn - her historical fiction is mesmerising.
Podcasts
I had the privilege of interviewing 37 authors and leaders this year. So many awesome insights and conversations!
Our most listened to episode of all time is…(drumroll):
201 - Leadership Skills and Corporate Culture with Averil Foster
The most inspiring story for me:
Jeff Korzenik’s book on Second Chance hiring - how we can make positive generational change by supporting former felons through a holistic systems approach.
The episode that got under my skin and has left me chewing on a different approach to feedback:
224 A paradigm-shattering leadership perspective from Carol Sanford
See the full list of all our episodes here.
Last episode of the year!
If you want to hear me chat about the year, then tune in here.
Are you still reading? Oh my goodness! Thanks! It’s been a wonderful year in so many ways, not least of which is the fact that you are here with me. Thanks for sharing it with me.
I hope you have a good and restful break.
See you in the new year!
Zoë
P.S. We’re back on January 10, 2022. See you then!
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Related Articles:
Leadership book recommendations and new year action tips
What's the best way to level up your leadership?
A simple framework for leadership reflection
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About the author, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Zoë Routh is one of Australia’s leading experts on people stuff - the stuff that gets in our way of producing results, and the stuff that lights us up. She works with the growers, makers, builders to make people stuff fun and practical.
Zoë is the author of four books: Composure - How centered leaders make the biggest impact, Moments - Leadership when it matters most, Loyalty - Stop unwanted staff turnover, boost engagement, and build lifelong advocates, and People Stuff - Beyond Personalities: An advanced handbook for leadership. People Stuff was awarded Book of the Year 2020 by the Smart WFM Australian Business Book Awards.
Zoë is also the producer of The Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast.