Introduction
Imagine stepping onto a stage, the spotlight warming your face, only to realize you don’t know where the props are, where your castmates stand, or even what the script says. It’s impossible to perform when the stage is unclear. Leadership is no different. Before moving toward growth and transformation, you need to understand where you’re starting from.
In this post, we’ll guide you through identifying your current leadership state—a crucial step in setting the stage for success.
Why Start Here?
Every journey begins with clarity about where you are. In leadership, this means understanding your strengths, your challenges, and how well your efforts align with your Mission, Core Values, and Vision (M3). Without this foundation, it’s like trying to build a structure on shifting sand.
Your current leadership state is not a measure of perfection. Instead, it’s a snapshot of reality—the good, the messy, and the opportunities to grow. Think of it as taking inventory before the performance begins.
Step 1: Look at the Big Picture
Start by assessing the overall dynamics of your team and leadership:
- What’s working well? Do your team members communicate effectively? Is collaboration strong? Celebrate these wins.
- What feels unclear or disconnected? Are there recurring challenges, like missed deadlines or unclear roles?
Take a moment to reflect. Jot down one thing you’re confident about in your leadership and one thing that feels off. This simple exercise is the first step toward clarity.
Step 2: Reflect on Alignment with Your Mission
Your Mission (why you exist), Core Values (how you work), and Vision (what you aim to achieve) are your leadership’s guiding stars. But are your actions and your team’s efforts aligned with these principles?
Ask yourself:
- Does your team’s daily work reflect your Mission?
- Are Core Values present in decision-making and behavior?
- Is your Vision inspiring and clear to everyone on the team?
Example: A nonprofit leader recently discovered their team was losing sight of their Mission in the rush of daily tasks. By revisiting their “why” in a team meeting, they reignited energy and focus.
Step 3: Celebrate Strengths and Identify Gaps
Just like a director evaluates a rehearsal, take time to recognize what’s working and where there’s room for improvement.
- Spotlight Your Strengths: Where does your team consistently shine? What aspects of your leadership make you proud?
- Identify Gaps: What challenges seem to resurface again and again? Where is there a disconnect between your goals and your current reality?
Tip: Gaps are not failures; they’re opportunities to grow. When viewed with curiosity, they become stepping stones toward progress.
Real-World Spotlight: A Leadership Audit in Action
Consider a mid-sized tech company whose team struggled with misaligned priorities. The leadership conducted a simple audit, asking questions about alignment with their Vision and day-to-day challenges. They discovered communication silos were causing confusion about goals. By addressing these gaps through weekly check-ins, they quickly realigned and boosted team morale.
Reflection Questions
To guide your leadership audit, reflect on these prompts:
- What’s one strength in your leadership or team that you’re confident about today?
- Where do you notice gaps between your Vision and your team’s current reality?
- How does your leadership approach support your Mission and Core Values?
Leadership growth starts with clarity. By taking the time to evaluate your current state, you’re setting the stage for meaningful progress—for yourself, your team, and your organization.