Cory Berg

Unlocking Leadership · Module 2

Lesson 9: Action Plan: Foundations

Contents

Video

Action Plan: Foundations

You have covered a lot of ground in this module. The Tree of Leadership. Physical health, mindfulness, and the personal practices that sustain long-term performance. The core skills of communication, listening, and feedback. An open mindset. And the concept of daily non-negotiables.

None of it matters unless you put it into practice.

This lesson is about translating what you have learned into specific, personal commitments. Not aspirations - commitments. Things you will actually do, starting now.

Your Action Plan

Work through these questions and write down your answers. The act of writing makes it real.

Personal Practices

Looking at the Tree of Leadership - where are your roots weakest? What is the one personal practice (physical health, mindfulness, sleep, continuous learning) that would make the biggest difference if you improved it? What will you commit to doing differently, starting this week?

Communication

Think about the last week of conversations you have had as a leader. Where did you communicate clearly? Where did you fall short? Pick one aspect of the SPEAK framework and identify a specific situation coming up where you will apply it intentionally.

Listening

Who on your team or in your life do you think does not feel fully heard by you? What would it look like to apply the FEEL framework in your next conversation with them?

Feedback

Is there a piece of feedback you have been holding back from someone because the timing was not right, or because you were not sure how to say it? Plan out how you will deliver it using the principles from Lesson 6. Set a date.

Daily Non-Negotiables

Write out your personal DNNs. What are the things you WILL commit to doing every day to operate at your best? Start with one thing and gradually work up to things that challenge you. Be specific and honest - these should be challenging but achievable.

Skills Assessments

Managing yourself is a way of living, so expect this work to be something you revisit often throughout your life and career.

Here is the way I suggest you approach the skills we covered in this module:

  1. Pick one foundational skill you want to work on (for example, active listening) and focus on it for a month or a quarter.
  2. Review the relevant lesson and let yourself get serious about getting better at it. This is where the growth happens.
  3. Use the corresponding assessment below to rate your execution each time you get a chance to practice.
  4. If you want to go world class, ask the people you interact with to assess you using the same questions. Ask people who will be honest.
  5. With each successive practice:
    1. Congratulate yourself for doing this (it matters).
    2. Pay attention to what you are not doing well.
    3. Do it better.
    4. Repeat.
Clear Communication

Rate each statement on a scale of 1-5:
1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither Agree nor Disagree, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree

  1. I simplify my message to focus on the most important points.

  2. I organize my thoughts and structure my message clearly before speaking.

  3. I engage with my audience and use language they understand.

  4. I encourage feedback or questions to ensure my message is understood.

  5. I keep my communication concise and avoid unnecessary information.

  6. The audience understood my message. (Note: did you ask them?)

Total Score: 0 / 30

Active Listening

Rate each statement on a scale of 1-5:
1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither Agree nor Disagree, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree

  1. I focus my full attention on the person speaking, avoiding distractions.

  2. I listen carefully to understand the emotions behind the speaker's words.

  3. I encourage the speaker to share more by asking open-ended questions or using supportive phrases.

  4. I reflect back what the speaker has said to ensure I understood correctly.

  5. I avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions before the speaker has finished talking.

Total Score: 0 / 25

Feedback

Rate each statement on a scale of 1-5:
1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither Agree nor Disagree, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree

  1. When giving feedback, I focus on specific behaviors or outcomes, not generalizations.

  2. I frame my feedback in a way that encourages growth and improvement.

  3. When receiving feedback, I listen actively without becoming defensive.

  4. I balance criticism with positive feedback to encourage motivation.

  5. I ensure my feedback is understood and clear by asking for clarification or paraphrasing.

Total Score: 0 / 25

Open Mindset

Rate each statement on a scale of 1-5:
1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither Agree nor Disagree, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree

  1. I listen to new ideas or perspectives without immediately judging or dismissing them.

  2. I ask questions to better understand different viewpoints instead of jumping to conclusions.

  3. I objectively weigh the evidence before forming my opinion.

  4. I am willing to change my mind when presented with new or better information.

  5. I see new or differing ideas as opportunities to learn and grow.

Total Score: 0 / 25

Daily Non-Negotiables

Modify this list depending on your actual non-negotiables.

Rate each statement on a scale of 1-5:
1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neither Agree nor Disagree, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree

  1. I am taking care of myself physically by getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.

  2. I am doing what I need to do in order to get quality sleep at night.

  3. I am hydrating my body properly.

  4. I am adhering to a diet plan that is healthy and works for me.

  5. I am looking after myself mentally and emotionally. (Refer to the daily non-negotiables section.)

  6. I am showing up as a leader for my loved ones.

Total Score: 0 / 30

Moving Forward

The foundations you build in this module are what Module 3 - Leading Teams - builds on. If you skip the roots, the branches will not hold.

Take the time to install your action plan before you move on. Operationalize it. Put some reminders on your calendar and follow through. This is your own set of intentions for your life. There isn't another life after this one. What you do now matters.