The Space Between: Why July Is the Most Strategic Month

By Jim Best | The Leader Network

And for leaders like you, July may be the most important strategic month of the year.

At The Leader Network, we believe this space is sacred—not just for rest, but for reflection. Not just to pause, but to prepare. That’s why we’re encouraging you to use this moment for something that often gets squeezed out once August hits: strategic self-leadership.

Here are four ways to make the most of July—the most strategic month—and step into the year ahead with clarity, confidence, and intention.

1. Reclaim Your “Why”

Take 10 minutes to write down:

• Why do you lead?

• What kind of leader do you want to be this year?

• Who do you most want to be for?

So often, your purpose gets buried beneath logistics and obligations. But now is your chance to reconnect. (We’ve created a free worksheet if you want a simple place to start.

2. Name Your Leadership Theme

Every great leader walks into the year with a compass. What’s yours?

• Maybe it’s Lead with Trust.

• Maybe it’s Less Noise, More Clarity.

• Maybe it’s Be Bold. Be Kind. Be Clear.

A theme helps you center your values, guide your tone, and set a cultural temperature for your team. If you’re in one of our Roundtables, this is the perfect prompt to bring into August. (If you’re not yet in one—let’s fix that.)

3. Plan the Culture, Not Just the Calendar

While you’re mapping out meetings, ask this:

What kind of team do I want to lead?

• How do we build trust?

• What norms do we need to establish or revisit?

• What gets celebrated? What gets addressed?

• How do we want to feel after each meeting?

Boards and leadership teams don’t magically become aligned. They’re built—with care, consistency, and conversation. (We can help you get started.)

4. Read Something. Write Something. Rest a Little.

Pick up a book that stretches you.

Write a note to your future self—maybe an email, scheduled for October or December.

Or—here’s a radical idea—do nothing for a few hours.

Leadership isn’t just what you do; it’s how you think.

And July gives you the rarest gift of all: time to think differently.

Let This Month Be the Start of Something

If July gives you space to dream, let August give you a plan. Whether you’re leading a school, a division, a board, or a team—we’d be honored to walk alongside you this year.

We’ve created a simple, one-page Leadership Year Launch Worksheet to help you reflect, reset, and reimagine. Download it. Print it. Share it with a teammate. Set a reminder to revisit it in October.

Download the TLN Leadership Year Launch Worksheet

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And if you’re thinking through how to lead your team differently this year—how to shape culture, clarify strategy, or strengthen your board—TheLeaderNetwork is here for that.

We offer:

• One-on-one coaching

• Team and board retreats

• Roundtables for school leaders who want to grow in community

• Strategic Planning Facilitation

• Individual, Team, and Board Growth Assessments and Evaluations

Get in touch with us. Let’s make this the year where your leadership feels aligned, supported, and strong.

With appreciation and high hopes—

Jim Best

Co-Founder, The Leader Network

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