A Most Difficult Shift: Part 2
David Freund

Last week, I shared with you that I found myself in the middle of a shift I wasn’t prepared for. It was a difficult time that left me pondering my purpose. What makes this most ironic is that my word for 2025 was purpose. I felt that I had been pursuing my purpose all year, only to realize how completely confused I was. I was in the middle of making a significant leadership shift and didn’t even recognize it. You’ll recall that I described it as living the shift from soloist to conductor.

That post went long, but I did promise I’d get back to you and share how I plan to live out the shift to becoming a conductor. So, here goes.

First, I’d like to address the six areas where I believe conductors live:

1. They push you to do your best.
2. They pull you up the difficult hills.
3. They stand beside you when you need a break.
4. They walk with you when you need encouragement along the journey.
5. They run before you to model the way.
6. They sit behind you when it’s your turn to shine.

As a conductor, it’s not about what I accomplish, but rather what you accomplish. The six areas above are all about helping you achieve your greatest potential. A conductor shifts from competing to completing — from personal performance to improving the performance of others. It’s about helping people get better every day.

For this to happen, I must get better — much better — every day. As I looked ahead to 2026, I committed to focus on growing in six essential areas:

1. Relationships – I need to grow in my ability to establish and strengthen meaningful connections with others.
2. Equipping Others – I must become more familiar with the tools available to help others succeed.
3. Attitude – Each day, I will need to manage my attitude more intentionally. Just because I’m having a bad day doesn’t mean anyone else should. I need to cultivate the mindset of a “Possible-ist.” And yes, I may have just created a word.
4. Leadership – My leadership skills must grow dramatically so I can embrace the challenges of the next decade. I also need to better understand Gen Z, as they become a larger percentage of the workforce. They have so much to offer, and I want to provide the tools that help them thrive.
5. Communication – I need to become a much better listener. Too often, we think communication is all about speaking, when in reality, effective communication is primarily about listening.
6. Faith – On a personal level, I want to grow in my faith. It’s the foundation of my life.

I’ve started the year using a program I developed some years ago called Planning My Path of Growth. I’ve identified six core values I need to improve upon, along with daily, weekly, and monthly activities to help me grow in each area. I’ve selected six books to guide the first half of the year. And perhaps the scariest goal of all is this: I will dedicate one hour a day, five days a week, to intentional growth.

I invite each one of you to reach out and hold me accountable. When you see me in a class or at an event, ask how I’m doing. Send me emails to check in. Encouragement and accountability from my community will make all the difference.

Oh, and one more thing — my word for 2026 is actually two words: Be Amazed!

I look forward to being amazed in 2026, and I hope you’ll be as well.