As the lights go down on 2023, we're greeted by the familiar end-of-year lull. This is a key moment to take a deep breath and scope out the personal ambitions and milestones we have for 2024.

You've heard it every time you've flown: "in case of an emergency, secure your own oxygen mask before helping others". This standard safety procedure is more than just a flight instruction—it's a great metaphor for life, especially in leadership roles. It emphasizes two critical aspects:

1. Personal Importance: Neglecting to prioritize your well-being will almost certainly spell trouble for you down the line.
2. Team Impact: If you’re not engaged, it's very likely that the team's performance will falter alongside yours.

In engineering management, goal-setting isn't just tricky—it's downright hard. It's no longer about pushing your coding skills to the next rung. Now, you're in the driver's seat, navigating a network of intricate communication channels, spotting business opportunities, and multiplying all of that by your team's ups and downs.

Goal setting tools for EMs

I've often turned to a process I learned during the "good era" at Twitter. It's been a reliable tool, not just for myself but for others as well. You can give it a run here:

https://www.ethanschlenker.com/tools/authentic-goals

It does a nice job of making you go one step at a time, starting with some very big picture thinking: Who is your "Work Hero"? And then takes very intentional incremental steps forward until you've got a tangible goal sitting on a very solid foundation. It's kinda like a reverse "5 whys".

If you're feeling like you need something more, Jen Dary's "Day of Dreaming" video class is one that's really made a difference for me in my career. It's an introspective deep-dive that hones in on what truly matters to you. I have an array of colorful post-its from the 2022 version all over one wall of my office, a daily reminder of all the things that really matter to me.

https://www.beplucky.com/launch-day-of-big-dreaming-2024/

In a profession that often celebrates the grind, it's worth spotlighting the significance of self-care and mental well-being—not just as buzzwords, but as foundational elements of effective leadership.

Taking time for self-reflection isn't a detour from your duties! It's an investment in both your future and the collective success of your team. Embrace this moment. Refocus. Recharge. Consider not only the objectives you wish to conquer but also the steps you will take to maintain your well-being throughout your journey.

Put on your oxygen mask first. A robust and engaged leader is the cornerstone of a high performing team.