How Leaders Bounce Back Faster Using the AHA Framework

Does it feel like your mind is a never-ending game of whack-a-mole? With recent changes in the US workforce, including a net increase of 256,000 jobs in December 2024 and an ongoing labor shortage, coupled with the impact of natural disasters, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Here's what I've learned: great leadership isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about using the right framework to stay resilient and focused. Let me share how the AHA Framework—Attitude, Habits, and Actions—can help you navigate uncertainty with confidence.

The Good Stuff

You know that feeling when everything seems equally urgent? Let’s fix that. Here’s how the AHA Framework can guide you:

• Attitude: Your mindset shapes your leadership. Research shows that 68% of employees prefer leaders with a growth mindset, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable and focusing on possibilities.

• Habits: Create small, consistent practices that build mental toughness and keep you grounded in the face of uncertainty.

• Actions: Take intentional steps daily that align with your vision and values to drive progress without burnout.

On a typical day, I’m A- the list maker… always putting pressure on myself to do more but I’m working on that.

Let’s Get Into the Details…

Meet Amber (not her real name, but a real story). She was juggling multiple responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed, and constantly firefighting. She decided to apply the AHA Framework:

• She shifted her Attitude to focus on what she could control.

• She built supportive Habits, understanding that leaders who receive quality coaching are 2.7 times more likely to feel accountable for being effective.

• She took meaningful Actions that aligned with her priorities.

The result? Amber slowly but surely reclaimed control, increased team productivity, and felt more confident in her leadership role.

Leadership Lab Here’s how you can use A.H.A. this week: Here’s your 10-minute challenge to start applying AHA:

1. Write down your top 3 priorities for the week.

2. Identify one habit that supports each priority.

3. Take one small action today to move forward.

Pro tip: I do this most mornings with my coffee. It’s a simple ritual that keeps me focused.

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Stop letting your wins go unnoticed! This framework helps you track and showcase your successes like a boss. Because if you don't tell your story, who will?

💡 Win of the Week: Research shows leaders who prioritize clear goals see a 12-15% performance improvement. This aligns with studies showing that when organizations focus on mindsets, they are more than twice as likely to rate their leadership development efforts as effective.

Your win? Choose one clear goal and commit to it this week!

With job creation and destruction expected to affect 22% of today's total jobs between 2025 and 2030, resilience isn’t just about avoiding adversity—it’s about showing up and growing through it.

Keep emulating excellence and eliminating excuses—it’s your winning season.

XoXo,
Jacqueline