As you read this, my wife and I are in Germany visiting friends and family—a welcome chance to reconnect and see the world from another angle.
Before we left, I also had the privilege of supporting a colleague, George Hedley, as a guest presenter at his
mastermind group, diving into leadership and management topics with an energetic group of business owners.
Even away from home, I’m reminded every day that great leadership isn’t complicated. It’s about paying attention, showing up for your people, and cutting through distractions to focus on what truly matters, especially as the pace of business picks up in the Fall.
The Leadership & Management Check-In
The most successful leaders I know have a habit—around this time every year—of pausing for a true check-in. They don’t let plans get stale. They ask simple, direct questions:
- What are our three biggest priorities for the next 90 days?
- What do my people need most from me right now?
- Where are things stuck—and what can we fix, starting today?
My advice, and something I’m practicing even while on the road: Keep it simple. Reach out, listen carefully, and remove the roadblocks you can. Leadership, after all, starts with honest, small steps—whether on the shop floor or halfway across the globe.
A book that’s shaped my thinking on this is Stephen Covey’s classic, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey’s emphasis on “Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind” is especially relevant now—reminding us to clarify our priorities, set clear intentions, and translate vision into day-to-day actions for our teams.
Management: Returning to Your Rhythms
It’s natural to let routines slide during the summer months, but now is the time to recommit:
- Restart those regular morning huddles or end-of-week wrap-ups.
- Revisit your core metrics—keep them visible, and keep them moving.
- Make accountability and encouragement a daily practice, not just a quarterly event.
People crave clarity and direction, especially after a season of loosened routines. Your steadiness brings both.
One Honest Conversation
If there’s one thing I see holding teams back this time of year, it’s the unspoken: the feedback not given, the concern not raised. Before October rolls around, be the leader who leans into just one honest, constructive conversation you’ve been avoiding. It isn’t always easy, but it’s often what moves the needle most.
September’s Challenge
Block off 30 minutes—wherever you are—for personal reflection. Write down the three actions that you know would have the biggest impact this fall, and take a small next step on just one. Progress, not perfection, is what sustains momentum.
I’d Love to Hear From You
A special thank-you to those who replied to previous newsletters or reached out with questions and inquiries. Your stories, challenges, and wins are what keep me invested in this community. If you want to swap stories, brainstorm next steps, or need a sounding board as you gear up for a strong finish to 2025, I’m here—just a quick note away.
To your continued growth—and early Fall days, wherever you happen to be,
Your Professional Business Coach
Bernhard Heine
Connect with us on social media and be part of the dialog.
