As the golden hues of September emerge and the world shifts from the warmth of summer to the crisp energy of autumn, many leaders find themselves at an inflection point. There’s something about this month that invites leaders to reflect, recalibrate, and reignite the spark in their career journey.
September is not just a marker of time; it is a powerful metaphor for change. The leaves, in their transformation, remind us that growth comes from letting go of what no longer serves us. There is a spirit of fresh beginnings and possibilities. For leaders, this is the ideal moment to pause, examine their career trajectory, and ask: “Am I where I want to be? Is it time to revisit an old dream or set a new course?” “What do I no longer want to do?”
Five new perspectives to lead though the September shift:
1. September Is the New January
Consider September the “reset button” of the year. While January is often cited for resolutions, September offers more practical clarity. The distractions of summer vacations have faded, and the pressures of year-end are on the horizon but not yet overwhelming. This window provides mental space for honest introspection. In organizational life, September also marks the return to rhythm: budgets are revisited, teams are regrouped, and strategic plans are drafted. For leaders, this creates an opportunity to realign personal and professional goals with organizational momentum.
2. Relaunch a Dream: The Metaphor of the Harvest
Imagine your career as a field. Throughout the year, you’ve sown seeds through hard work, learning, and collaboration. September is harvest time and a chance to take a deeper dive with the new knowledge gained. Now, ask yourself: Are you harvesting the career you envisioned? Or is it time to cultivate new ground?
Powerful metaphors like “harvest,” “reset button,” or “turning the page” can be helpful in your discovery process.
- The Harvest: What have you grown this year, and what will you carry forward? What weeds need pulling?
- The Reset Button: What habits, relationships, or goals could use a retool?
- Turning the Page: What unfinished chapters or unexplored stories in your career deserve a second look?
3. Partner with an Executive Coach to Explore Your Journey
Reevaluating and relaunching a career dream is rarely a solo endeavor. The best explorers often reach out for help on their career journey. An executive coach can be a great thought partner who will walk beside you. A coach does more than listen. They help you see patterns, challenge assumptions, and brainstorm new directions you are curious about. In partnership, you might look at your career like a river: “What currents are moving you forward? What rocks might you navigate? Together, you can:
- Identify what truly motivates you and identify what matters most in your job.
- Map out short and long term goals for growth.
- Refine your leadership story through fresh metaphors that crystallize your purpose.
- Identify what might derail you from moving forward.
4. Create Action Steps That Are Meaningful
- Set aside time for reflection. Block out an hour to journal or walk.
- Seek out a mentor or a council of trusted advisors to share your ideas.
- Visualize your dream relaunch. Sketch it out: What does success look like this fall? What will you plant now to harvest later?
- Create accountability. Share your intentions with a colleague or coach, and set regular check-ins.
5. Decide How You Want to Lead Through the September Shift
September’s gentle transformation invites you to prepare for your dream. For leaders, it’s a time to step back, take stock, and plant the seeds for your next big chapter. With the support of an executive coach, you can relaunch your career dream with clarity, conviction, and creativity. Let this September be the season you remember for taking bold steps and shaping a future that’s truly yours.
How will you lead through the September shift? If you are curious how executive coaching can help you make a shift, please reach out.