The first quarter of the year is in full swing, and as a leader, this is the perfect time to pause and reflect: Are you steering your team in the right direction?

Leadership isn’t just about setting goals at the start of the year; it’s about consistently checking in, adjusting course, and ensuring your team has what they need to succeed. Mid-Q1 is a crucial moment to assess your progress and make sure you’re not just moving but moving toward success.

Here’s how to conduct a meaningful mid-Q1 check-in and recalibrate for the months ahead.

1. Review Your Goals: Are They Still Relevant?

At the start of the year, you likely set ambitious goals. But life and business are dynamic—things can change quickly. Now is the time to revisit those goals and assess their relevance.

Ask yourself and your team:

• Are we making progress toward our goals?
• Are these goals still aligned with our mission and vision?
• Do we need to pivot based on new challenges or opportunities?

Adapting isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a mark of strong leadership. Stay flexible and focused on the bigger picture.

Key Takeaway:
Ensure your goals are SMARTER (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound, Exciting, and Results-Focused) and adjust as necessary to keep them actionable.

2. Assess Your Team’s Morale and Engagement

A successful leader keeps their finger on the pulse of their team’s morale. Even if your goals are on track, a disengaged or burned-out team can derail progress.

Take time to check in with your team, both as a group and individually. Ask them:

• What’s going well?
• Where do you feel stuck or overwhelmed?
• How can I support you better?

Your willingness to listen and act on feedback shows your team that their well-being matters, and that’s a critical driver of engagement.

Key Takeaway:
Engaged employees are productive employees. Make their input a priority in your leadership strategy.

3. Evaluate Your Leadership Approach

Leadership isn’t a “set it and forget it” role. Just as your team needs to adjust to challenges, so do you. Take a moment to reflect on how your leadership has impacted your team’s progress so far.

Ask yourself:

• Am I providing clear direction and support?
• Are my expectations realistic and achievable?
• Have I created an environment where my team feels valued and empowered?

Be honest with yourself. Leadership growth requires self-awareness and a willingness to improve.

Key Takeaway:
Leadership is about serving your team, not just managing them. Make sure your approach reflects that mindset.

4. Recalibrate and Communicate the Path Forward

Once you’ve reviewed your goals, engaged your team, and reflected on your leadership, it’s time to recalibrate and set the course for the rest of the quarter.

Share your findings with your team. Be transparent about any changes to goals or strategies and explain the “why” behind your decisions. A clear and open communication style fosters trust and keeps everyone aligned.

Key Takeaway:
Your team will follow you more confidently when they understand the direction and their role in the journey.

Call to Action: Lead Your Team Toward Success

The first quarter sets the tone for the entire year. By conducting a thoughtful mid-Q1 check-in, you ensure your team stays on track, engaged, and motivated to achieve their goals.

Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level? Let me help you create a culture where your team thrives. Book me for a presentation or a let’s a strategy call to learn actionable strategies for leading your team toward success, not just in Q1 but all year long.

Quote to Reflect On:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Visit www.antongunn.com/contact to schedule a strategy call today.And don’t forget to follow me on LinkedIn for more leadership tips and insights:
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