HIGHLIGHT: A Holistic Annual Audit Framework for Executives

Every executive aspires to achieve leadership synergy. The synergy leader offers a mental model as a foundation for a proposed architecture. This leader enhances the organizational structure, enabling collaborative thinking. The mental model illustrates the interrelated traits of the leader, team members, and the organization, highlighting the significance of collective thinking. Nevertheless, attaining leadership synergy can be challenging.

Imagine Sarah, a seasoned executive director at a leading tech firm. Despite her impressive track record, Sarah felt burnt out and frustrated. She struggled to create leadership synergy at work and align individual and organizational visions. Her days were filled with endless meetings, tight deadlines, and mounting pressure. Sarah knew something had to change.

This is the case with many of my coaching clients. Let me support you, as I have supported Sarah; start the year with super confidence. As we begin the new year, let us embrace a fresh perspective. Each sunrise brings endless possibilities, and how you respond to the opportunities presented can make all the difference. To make the most of these 365 days, plan, plan, and plan. Remember, as mentioned in the Quran, "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves" (Al Raud 13:11).

The beginning of a fiscal year is the perfect time to reflect on past successes, setbacks, and learnings and to plan for the year ahead. Reflecting on your life is a concept deeply rooted in Islamic tradition. As stated in the Quran, "And say, 'Do [as you will], for Allah will see your deeds, and [so will] His Messenger and the believers" (At-Tauba 9:105). Benjamin Franklin wisely said, "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail." Therefore, take a moment to reflect on your life and plan to serve your highest calling.

Plan with intention and foresight, and watch exponential growth ignite! 
~  Dewdrop Shaheena ~

I have developed and tested this holistic annual audit framework, HIGHLIGHT, and found it extremely beneficial over the last four years. This process involves asking yourself insightful questions to evaluate your experiences, achievements, and challenges. Looking back, you can gain valuable insights that will guide you in making the upcoming year the best one. This article will walk you through nine essential questions that will help you understand where you are, what you have learned, and how you can create a clear and personalized roadmap for a successful and fulfilling year ahead.

When conducting a holistic audit, consider eleven essential areas of life: health and fitness, intellectual life, emotional life, character, spiritual life, love relationships, parenting, social life, financial life, career, and quality of life.

Reflecting and writing can be exhaustive; you might think you already know this and do not need to write it down. Let me empathetically and lovingly remind you of the power of writing and engaging all your physical senses. The Power of Reflecting on Life: Read for more inspiration. With these eleven areas in mind, could you review the questions below and reflect, writing as much as possible?

H - Highlights: Describe the highlights from the past year of your life.

Reflecting on positive experiences is in line with the Islamic principle of Shukr (gratitude), as emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said, "He who does not thank people is not thankful to Allah" (Abu Dawood, Book 41, Hadith 4811). Positive experiences can enhance well-being and provide valuable insights for future planning (Roberts, Heaphy, & Caza, 2019).

• Question #1: What were the highlights of the past year?

• Use your camera roll to jog your memory.

• Look through photos and recall significant events and moments.

• Identify the experiences that brought you joy and satisfaction.

I - Identify: Identify the most challenging parts of the year.

Islam teaches us the importance of patience (Sabr) in facing challenges, as mentioned in the Quran, "Indeed, Allah is with the patient." (Al Baqarah 2:153). Acknowledging and learning from challenges is crucial for personal growth and resilience (London, Sessa, & Shelley, 2023).

• Question #2: What were some of the most complex parts of the year?

• Reflect on the challenges and low points.

• Acknowledge the difficulties you faced.

• Understand the lessons learned from these experiences.

G - Gratitude: Reflect on what you are grateful for this year.

Reflecting on gratitude can enhance well-being and provide a positive outlook on life. The Quran states, "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour]." (Ibrahim 14:7), highlighting the importance of gratitude in Islam. Research indicates that practising gratitude can improve mental health and overall well-being (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).

• Question #3: What are you most grateful for this year?

• Consider the people, experiences, and things that brought you joy and satisfaction.

• Express your gratitude and thanks to the Almighty Creator for bestowing blessings in abundance.

• Focus on the challenges that stretched you throughout the year. How have you become a better person because of these setbacks? Take a moment to express your deepest gratitude to the Almighty Creator for helping you strengthen your bounce back.

H - Happiness: Recognize what you are most proud of accomplishing this year.

Reflecting on gratitude can enhance well-being and provide a positive outlook on life. Recognizing and celebrating achievements can boost motivation and reinforce positive behaviours (Nash & Stevenson, 2004).

• Question #4: What are you most proud of accomplishing this year?

• Reflect on your achievements and successes.

• Recognize the efforts and hard work that led to these accomplishments.

• Celebrate your progress and milestones.

L - Love: Determine what you want to do more of next year.

Reflecting on gratitude can enhance well-being and provide a positive outlook on life. Positive habits and actions are linked to improved well-being and goal attainment (Wood, 2020).

• Question #5: What do you want to do more of next year?

• Identify activities and habits that brought you joy and fulfilment.

• Consider how you can incorporate more of these into your life.

• Set intentions for continuing these positive actions.

I - Improve: Identify what you want to do less of next year.

The Quran advises, "And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow." (Al-Hashr 59:18), encouraging continuous self-improvement. Reducing negative habits is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life (El Kirat et al., 2024).

• Question #6: What do you want to do less of next year?

• Reflect on activities and habits that did not serve you well.

• Consider how you can reduce or eliminate these from your life.

• Set intentions for minimizing these negative actions.

G - Growth: Reflect on what you learned about yourself this year.

Self-awareness and personal growth are essential in Islam, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "He who knows himself knows his Lord." (Ibn Arabi). Self-awareness and personal growth are essential for effective self-management and achieving long-term goals (Ugur, Constantinescu, & Stevens, 2015).

• Question #7: What did you learn about yourself this year?

• Consider the personal growth and insights gained.

• Think about how you have changed or evolved and identify any new strengths or weaknesses discovered.

H - Help: Identify ways to help others or contribute to your community.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to the rest of mankind." (Daraqutni). Helping others and contributing to the community can lead to increased well-being and a sense of belonging (Roberts, Heaphy, & Caza, 2019).

• Question #8: How can you help others or contribute to your community next year?

• Identifying ways to help others or contribute to your community can enhance your sense of purpose and fulfilment.

• Consider volunteering, mentoring, or participating in community projects.

T - Transform: Decide on one thing you can do to make next year better.

The Quran encourages us to strive for positive change, "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." (Ar-Ra'd 13:11). Specific actions and goal setting are critical for personal and professional development (Greco & Kraimer, 2019).

• Question #9: What is one thing you can do to make next year better?

• Identify a specific action or change that can improve your life.

• Consider how this action aligns with your goals and values.

• Commit to implementing this change in the coming year.

• Decide on your "word of the year."

In conclusion, identifying ways to contribute to your community and making intentional changes is a decisive step towards personal growth and fulfilment. Volunteering, mentoring, or participating in community projects can foster a sense of purpose and enhance well-being. The Quran reminds us of the importance of striving for positive change within ourselves and setting specific goals, which are crucial for achieving this transformation. As we reflect on the insights from the literature, it becomes clear that self-awareness, gratitude, and habit formation are integral to our journey towards becoming our best selves. By committing to specific actions that align with our values and goals, we can make meaningful progress and create a better future for ourselves and those around us.

#leadershipsynergy #dewdropshaheena #executivecoaching #leadershipdevelopment

References

1. Roberts, L. M., Heaphy, E., & Caza, B. B. (2019). To Become Your Best Self, Study Your Successes. Harvard Business Review.

2. London, M., Sessa, V. I., & Shelley, L. A. (2023). Developing self-awareness: Learning processes for self- and interpersonal growth. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 10, 261-288.

3. Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-3893.

4. Nash, L., & Stevenson, H. H. (2004). Success That Lasts. Harvard Business Review.

5. Wood, W. (2020). Harnessing the power of habits. Monitor on Psychology, 51(8), 785.

6. El Kirat, H., van Belle, S., Khattabi, A., & Belrhiti, Z. (2024). Behavioural change interventions, theories, and techniques to reduce physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour in the general population: A scoping review. BMC Public Health, 24, Article 20996.

7. Ugur, H., Constantinescu, P. M., & Stevens, M. J. (2015). Self-awareness and personal growth: Theory and application of Bloom's Taxonomy. Eurasian Journal of Educational Research, 60, 89-11.

8. Greco, L. M., & Kraimer, M. L. (2019). Goal-Setting in the Career Management Process: An Identity Theory Perspective. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(1), 40-57