With the arrival of September and the passage of Labor Day in the U.S., it feels as though we’ve turned a corner. Beach towels and pool noodles are on clearance racks, and Halloween decorations are out in full force. Can pumpkin spice be far behind? This activity signals a change for companies, too, bringing about a natural time to pause, reflect, and prepare for what’s next.
It’s strategy season at Leadership Circle. The energy and activity in the company is almost palpable, as each team meets to imagine and lay out the next steps to achieving our objectives. It’s in September that we come together with the singular focus of devising the future we want and aligning ourselves on how to create it. I love this time of year.
“Strategy season” is a bit of a misnomer, though. Unlike other seasons, such as winter, spring, summer, or (my favorite) football, strategy isn’t something that comes around but once a year. It’s not a static document or a list of goals on a page. Or, at least, it isn’t only that. Strategy is a dynamic process, and it requires foresight, calibration, and perhaps most important, consistent attention. Your strategy does you no good if you visit it once, then shelve and ignore it.
As leaders, we anticipate what’s coming next. Strategy season is an opportunity to pause, reflect on our current trajectory, and deliberately chart a course that takes us toward that future we desire. It requires clarity of vision and a strong sense of purpose. What do we stand for? What do we want to bring into the world? How will we make that happen? How will we know when we’ve succeeded?
But strategy alone is not enough. We must bridge the gap between vision and execution. True leadership means not just envisioning the future but mobilizing our teams, achieving buy-in, inspiring action, and adapting along the way. The most successful strategies are lived, not just talked about.
As you plan for the months and years ahead, ask yourself: How can you create a strategy that not only anticipates change but also inspires your team to embrace it? How can you lead from a place of deep purpose, where your vision connects to the impact you want to make? And how can you keep your strategy alive in the minds of your people every day? Take advantage of this season. Use this time to step back, to look forward, and to set the direction for the future you want.
-Bill Adams, Co-Founder & CEO
About: Bill loves people and is passionate about relationships, leadership, and business. He is a serial entrepreneur who has started, owned and sold multiple businesses. As a founder and the current CEO of Leadership Circle, Bill brings thirty years of experience to his clients – the CEOs of major Fortune 500 corporations, non-profits, and private equity start-ups. In addition, Bill co- authored “Mastering Leadership” and “Scaling Leadership.” As a trusted advisor, teacher, consultant, and coach, he works with CEOs and top teams in fulfilling the promise of leadership.
