Blueprint for Success
Leadership Development: Starting Point
Dr. Donna Schmid, PhD, LCSW, CPC · October 2026 · Reflection worksheet
This reflection is the beginning of your development plan. There are no right answers. Consider where you are today, what you want to strengthen, and the kind of leader you want to become.
01 · LOOK
Read the example to see the kind of detail that helps.
02 · WRITE
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03 · SAVE
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Example: a newly promoted director, three months into the role
1. Where Am I Now?
2. Where Do I Want to Grow?
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3. Where Does My Leadership Show Up?
Consider the places where your leadership has the greatest impact.
4. Looking Ahead: My Development Touchpoints
Identify three touchpoints, or “time horizons,” for your development. You may use the examples below or choose three that feel more meaningful to you.
At each touchpoint, imagine yourself stepping into that future moment. Consider:
- Where are you professionally?
- Where are you personally?
- What are you doing differently?
- What have you learned, developed, or accomplished?
- What have you gained: skills, experiences, confidence, relationships, opportunities, or something else?
- How do life and leadership feel different from where you are today?
Be as specific and expansive as you can. Don’t limit yourself to what feels immediately achievable. The goal is to create a picture of the future that feels compelling enough to draw you toward it.