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You are here: Home / LinkedIn Articles / Week #5: Your August Challenge: Stop Crossing Your Fingers and Start Leading with Confidence

Week #5: Your August Challenge: Stop Crossing Your Fingers and Start Leading with Confidence

Erin Owen · July 28, 2025 ·

We’ve covered the problem (Week 1), the mindset shift (Week 2), the framework (Week 3), and which strategies have been working best for you (Week 4). Now it’s time to act.

As we move into August, I challenge you to build your leadership contingency plan—not out of fear, but from a place of strength and intention.

Your August Challenge: Plan for the Pivot

Target one area where you’re currently “hoping for the best”:

  • A major project or initiative
  • Your career trajectory
  • A team transition
  • An organizational change

Take some time this week to apply the 4-step framework:

Identify non-negotiables, map your “what ifs,” communicate transparently, plan to debrief.

Why You Need a Plan B, C, and D

One of my consulting clients used this approach in his career growth plan and it changed everything:

His original goal: advance to partner.

  • The challenge: industry shifts were putting that path at risk.
  • What we did:
    • Developed Plans B, C, and D
    • Clarified his must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
    • Identified values-aligned companies in his network
    • Activated his internal mentors to spark new connections

The result?

  • Within 2 months, he had strong leads on several new roles
  • His anxiety turned into clarity and momentum
  • He felt confident and well-positioned—no matter what his company decided

For emerging leaders: Start with your next career move or skill development plan.

For more experienced leaders: Focus on your biggest strategic initiative or leadership transition.

Remember: Great leaders don’t just hope for the best—they plan for the unexpected. When you know how you’ll respond to a pivot, you lead with confidence, not anxiety.

Because leadership isn’t about always getting it all right. It’s about staying ready to adjust and being able to STILL DELIVER.

📣 Taking the challenge this August?

Message me with the area you’re targeting for your leadership contingency plan—I’d love to discuss, help you and cheer you on.

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