A cornerstone of the MOR framework is practicing intentional leadership. We begin this conversation with our leadership programs at workshop one, focusing on individual presence. Some people understand the power of presence while others grow into it. We can recognize someone with a powerful presence, but can we see it within ourselves? Having intentional leadership habits is one approach.
One of my regular leadership habits each year is to select a few words for focus. I want to share one of this year’s phases for me: “to refine.” While the standard definition of refine refers to purifying food or oil, I am focusing on the second definition.
To refine: means to purify something by removing impurities or unwanted matter (like refining oil or sugar) or to improve or perfect something by making subtle changes, making it more elegant, precise, or cultured (like refining a writing style, manners, or a design).
In 2026, I am refining a few long-standing habits with small tweaks for solid change. Previously, I have written on the power of stackable habits. This Tuesday Reading will focus on refining habits. I have come to recognize that I do not need to do more; instead, I need to refine some cornerstone, intentional leadership habits. Here are three that I am focused on this year.
Weights
My first long-standing habit is one I have practiced since high school; I lift weights. The type of weight training has changed over the years, but over the past two decades, I’ve been devoted to kettlebells. This strength training works well for me three times a week. I have a collection of kettlebells for use at home. Being physically strong is something I value, especially as I age, to maintain an active lifestyle. Lifting three times a week is a long-standing habit, but frankly, last year I got sloppy. Over winter break, I reflected on how I could improve my strength training this year. My intentional refinements are twofold; first is to focus on my form, and the second, is consistent reps (three of ten). Six weeks into intentionally refining my form and reps, I am happy to report it’s paying off.
Note-taking
My second long-standing habit that needed immediate attention was around my note-taking. I am an avid note-taker; I prefer a lined journal with a blue pen for coaching sessions, meetings, and workshops. I have come to appreciate digital notes, though these tend to happen after the fact. As I reflect on why this habit is important, I realize that taking notes helps me retain information, be organized, and be efficient with the many things I do. Unfortunately, I’m having a challenging time reading my own notes! I also tend to joke about not being able to read my own handwriting, but that’s not a good excuse for being sloppy.
Once again, I decided that a new year meant it was time to level up on my written note-taking process. Now I am intentional with my notes, slowing down so that they are legible (to me) and tracking how many times I had to rewrite something each day so that I can intentionally write better the next one. One week in January, I had twenty coaching sessions, which I reframed as also twenty times to practice better written notes! Refining my handwritten notes is an important cornerstone habit for retaining information.
Expressions
My third long standing habit is connected to one of my favorite quotes. “You can’t control the waves but you can learn to surf” from Jon Kabot-Zinn. Last fall, I received some feedback about not having a good poker face. It was not necessarily surprising feedback, as I spend A LOT of time on Zoom and tend to over-animate my facial expressions. But I recognize that this is something I need to improve.
Once again over winter break, I reflected on the past year; it was busy, loud, and disrupted. The visual that came to mind was relentless waves. Yet one thing I can control is my response to a situation, conversation, and other things bigger than myself. This, I imagine, is what it’s like learning to surf; not easy at first, but worth the adventure of riding waves. If I want to be intentional with my leadership presence, I need to respond well to any situation. To be candid, I am still working on the details of how I will intentionally refine my presence. The first step to making a change is acknowledging a need. My draft plan is to start with my presence at workshops, as I can pick one or two specific ways to be intentional. MOR leadership workshops are a learning laboratory for both participants and facilitators.
We are all very busy people. That is not an excuse to be sloppy as I was last year. Instead, it is an opportunity to intentionally refine our habits so that we each improve on the habits that have brought us success.
What most aligns with the intentional leadership habits you will refine this year?
Last week we asked about alignment between annual goals, quarterly goals, projects, team, and individual work in your organization:
- 19% said strongly aligned
- 28% said mostly aligned
- 33% said somewhat aligned
- 20% said not aligned
We’re split roughly 50/50 between those of us with goals, projects, and work that is strongly or mostly aligned, and those where it is not or only somewhat aligned. If you are in an organization where these are aligned, congratulations on the intentional work to get there! If you are in an organization where these could be better aligned, what is one intentional step you could take this week to help with alignment?
Marcia Dority is a Program Leader and Leadership Coach with MOR Associates. Marcia may be reached at [email protected] or via LinkedIn.