I love Christmas, but this time of year is also exciting because I love planning for the New Year.
In this article, I’ll guide you through 3 steps to gear up for 2023, suggest action steps, and offer free resources to get you started.
- Refine.
- Define.
- Design.
Refine your mission statement.
A mission statement can be confused with a vision statement. Both are equally important. To clarify, vision is a description of an ideal state, or the results of your mission. A mission statement should be a concise description of the type of organization, the services you provide, and the beneficiaries of your work.
In 2022, Orbis revised our mission statement by ending our lobbying efforts to focus more on organizational leadership development.
Our mission is to guide growing business and nonprofit leaders to translate vision into reality through developing growth strategies and enhancing organizational effectiveness.
ACTION:
- Download our Mission Focus Worksheet to see how your current mission statement measures up. Then revise as needed.
Define your values.
Values are beliefs and principles that guide our personal actions. They are the motivation for our behavior. They are the standards for our work and what we accept from others.
When the members of a work team focus on values, they can agree on the quality of their work, how they serve customers, and what makes a positive work environment.
When people see company values, it leads to motivated employees, satisfied customers, and appreciation from the greater community.
Values-based marketing demonstrates authenticity and helps clients, partners, and employees align with your mission. For example, values statements for Orbis Advantage, Inc. are found on our website and used in writing proposals and on social media.
Orbis has facilitated a values workshop for our clients as the foundation for a strategic plan for Goshen Economic Development and marketing plan for Saint Joseph’s Children’s Home.
ACTION:
- Download the Orbis Values Guide (free through Dec. 25, 2022).
Design your future.
What is your vision for your company, your work, your home, your family? Imagine yourself one year from now, and think about what you want to change or enhance. Then set 3 goals to achieve that vision.
ACTIONS:
- Start a journal for 2023.
- Write 3 goals at the beginning of the year.
- Write daily reflections and weekly status updates on your progress.
- Plan a celebration or reward when you reach each goal.
In addition to tracking your progress, other benefits of journaling (according to Dr. Jeremy Sutton in a 2018 article for Positive Psychology) include:
- Lowered blood pressure
- Better moods
- Improved psychological wellbeing
- Reduced stress-related visits to the doctor
- Less work absenteeism
What are your top priorities for 2023?
What if you had a team of experts and an expanded professional network to walk beside you as you tackle those big projects?
That is the idea behind the Executive Collective, a blend of in-person, virtual, independent and group work over the course of 4 months. Designed for executives who have been in their leadership role for less than three years or organizations in growth mode, the symposium focuses on enhancing personal leadership, communication, and resource management skills.
Why focus on those topics?
Throughout my career, people have naturally come to me for coaching and mentoring, even when it was not part of my official job description. Looking back, the most rewarding moments came when I helped someone advance in their career or develop a more effective organization. I also realized that even though I had excelled in many technical areas, there are two things I wish I had learned earlier myself. One is emotional intelligence – like better understanding how I am perceived by others. Secondly, I wish I had taken better care of my physical and mental health and advocated for a healthier workplace.
I feel a calling to help people solve problems related to building more effective organizations and stronger teams, while feeling a personal sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Orbis will select 10 leaders for each cohort in the Spring and Fall. Enrollment for the Spring session closes Jan. 27, 2023. So don’t delay.
Find out how to save your spot.
How to Register for the Executive Collective
Refine. Define. Design.
Moving ahead with clarity on your mission, values and goals will help you start the year off right.
The best way to gear up for 2023 is to design your work and lifestyle to focus on your own health. Dr. Wayne Anderson, New York Times best-selling author and nation’s 10th board-certified physician in critical care, in his book Habits of Health (2019), said:
Optimal health and wellbeing helps you thrive in all areas of your life…achieving vibrancy in your physical health, fully enjoying your work, your leisure time, time with family, and within your community.
Wishing you a healthy and prosperous year ahead!
