Building Momentum for a Fresh Start in The New Year

The start of a new year brings a chance to reset, recalibrate, and refocus. But true leadership growth doesn’t come from sweeping resolutions—it comes from small, consistent actions that align with your values and vision. That’s where the POCA model comes in, offering a practical framework to approach your leadership reset.

Pause: The Power of Slowing Down

In today’s fast-paced workplace, pausing can feel counterintuitive. Leaders often think they need to keep moving to maintain momentum. It’s a bit of a paradox because slowing down can be the key to speeding up progress.

One leader I worked with had a habit of rushing from one meeting to the next, carrying the stress of the previous conversation into the next. This created a cycle of tension that impacted her team’s productivity. When we introduced a micro-pause—just 60 seconds to breathe, reset, and refocus—her leadership presence transformed. Meetings became more productive, and her team felt a noticeable shift in her energy.

Practical Tip: Before your next meeting, take a moment to ask yourself:

• “What energy do I want to bring into this space?”
• “What outcome do I want to achieve here?” 

This small habit can create a ripple effect throughout your team.

Observe: Seeing What’s Really There

Observation isn’t just about noticing—it’s about understanding. What’s really driving the dynamics in your team? The POCA model encourages leaders to look at three critical areas:

1. Beliefs: Are you holding onto narratives like “I have to do it all” or “Conflict is bad”? These beliefs may be silently shaping your decisions.
2. Behaviors: What micro-habits might be undermining your leadership? Are you interrupting during meetings or neglecting to follow up on commitments?
3. Body Language: Are you showing up with confidence and openness, or is your stress signaling something else entirely?

Observation helps leaders identify blind spots that might be holding them back.

Choose: Aligning Actions with Values

Leadership isn’t about reacting—it’s about choosing. The choices you make every day shape your culture and your team’s success. Once you’ve observed what needs to change, ask yourself:

• “Does this decision align with the culture I want to create?”
• “How can I support my team in a way that empowers them?” 

Act: Consistency Over Perfection

The truth is that progress isn’t linear. It’s messy, iterative, and full of setbacks. But what matters is showing up consistently. Small, intentional actions—when practiced regularly—can create a culture of trust, accountability, and growth.

One of my clients once shared, “I used to think every setback was a failure. Now I see it as part of the process.” That shift in mindset transformed her approach to leadership and, ultimately, her team’s performance.

Balancing People and Productivity

As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. But focusing solely on productivity without prioritizing your people is a recipe for burnout. People and performance aren’t opposing forces—they’re deeply connected. 

When leaders create a culture where people feel safe, supported, and valued, performance naturally improves.

Your Leadership Reset

What’s one small habit you can unlearn or adopt today to align your leadership with the vision you have for the future? Whether it’s pausing, observing, or making more intentional choices, the key is to start small and stay consistent.

Because the best leaders don’t just react—they lead with purpose, clarity, and heart.

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Ready to start your unlearning journey? 

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Book a call with us today to learn how unlearning can transform your leadership and organization. Together, we’ll uncover the habits and patterns holding you back and build the foundation for sustainable growth.