Your Leadership North Star: One Word for Better Decisions

There is a moment I see again and again in my executive coaching work with senior leaders and high‑potential executives. A capable, experienced leader sits across from me and says some version of, “I know I am successful, but I feel stuck,” or “I have too many options, and I am second‑guessing every decision.” These are not leaders who lack intelligence, drive, or credibility. These are leaders navigating complexity, competing priorities, and the quiet pressure to always choose correctly.

When leaders feel stuck, it is rarely because they lack goals. Most have well‑articulated objectives, KPIs, and strategic plans. The challenge is often cognitive and emotional overload. Every decision feels heavy. Every choice carries consequences. Momentum slows not from inaction, but from overthinking.

One of the first practices I introduce in these situations is deceptively simple: choosing a defining word.

A defining word is not a resolution or a checklist. It is a guiding principle. It becomes a North Star for decision‑making, behavior, and perspective. Unlike traditional goals, a word is easy to remember, flexible enough to apply across contexts, and durable in moments of uncertainty.

The word may last a year, a quarter, or even six months. What matters is not the time horizon, but the clarity it creates. When a leader anchors to a word, decisions begin to align more naturally. Instead of asking, “What is the perfect choice?” the question becomes, “Which option best reflects my word?”

I have watched leaders use words such as clarity, steadiness, courage, focus, and expansion to navigate complex transitions. One executive chose “steadiness” during a period of organizational change. That word guided how she communicated, how she paced decisions, and how she supported her team. Another leader selected “focus” and used it as a filter for what to say yes to, and just as importantly, what to decline.

I use this practice personally as well. In 2025, my word was “bold.” I approached opportunities, conversations, and strategic decisions with that mindset. When uncertainty showed up, I asked myself what bold leadership looked like in that moment. The answer was not always easy, but it was clear.

For 2026, my word is “partnership.” That word has already shaped how I think about growth, collaboration, and shared success. It has guided decisions about where to invest time and energy, and it has opened doors to meaningful work that benefits everyone involved.

A defining word does not eliminate difficulty. What it does is provide an anchor. It helps leaders stay grounded during challenging seasons and intentional during moments of celebration. It creates coherence across decisions, especially when the path forward feels crowded or unclear.

As you move through 2026, consider your own North Star. What is the word that will guide you through both challenge and opportunity? What principle will steady your decisions and reflect the leader you are becoming?

A defining word does not eliminate difficulty, but it does provide an anchor. It gives leaders a clear filter when decisions feel heavy and priorities compete for attention.

If you are feeling stuck or caught in decision fatigue, this simple practice can be a powerful place to begin. It is one I regularly use in executive coaching to help leaders regain clarity, alignment, and forward momentum.

Sometimes the most meaningful shifts begin not with more goals, but with one clear word.