Starting Your September Strong
STARTING YOUR SEPTEMBER STRONG
Don’t Just Start the Month—Set the Direction.
“The way you start September can influence the way your team finishes the year.”
September is more than the month after August. For leaders, it is an opportunity toreset, refocus, and recommit.
The excitement of a new school year—or a new season for your organization—has started to settle. Calendars are filling, routines are forming, and the unexpected challenges are beginning to show up.
That is exactly why September matters.
Great leaders don't simply react to the pace of September. They intentionally establish the priorities, culture, and direction they want their organization to carry forward.
1. RECONNECT WITH YOUR PEOPLE
September is a great time to reconnect with the people you lead.
Your team doesn't always need another email or another reminder about expectations. They need to know that you see them, value them, and are in this with them.
Walk the building. Stop by someone's office. Ask how things are going—and actually listen.
Take time to recognize someone's contribution or encourage someone who may be struggling.
Leadership is relational.
The strongest organizations are built on trust, and trust is built through consistent, meaningful interactions.
THE SEPTEMBER TAKEAWAY:
Have three intentional conversations this month that aren't about solving a problem. Simply ask, “How are you doing?” Then listen.
2. REFOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST
September can quickly become a month where the urgent replaces the important.
Meetings multiply. Problems appear. Everyone has something they need from the leader. Before long, you can be incredibly busy without necessarily moving the organization forward.
Strong leaders continually bring people back to the why.
What are the two or three things that matter most right now? What are your priorities? What should your team be saying “yes” to—and what should they be saying “no” to?
If everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.
Your people shouldn't have to guess what matters most. Be clear. Communicate the priorities. Remind people why they matter.
THE SEPTEMBER TAKEAWAY:
Identify your top three priorities and communicate them clearly to your team.
3. SET THE CULTURAL STANDARD
Culture is established by what leaders model, reinforce, recognize, and tolerate.
September is the perfect time to ask:
“What are we becoming?”
Are people communicating well? Are expectations clear? Are people taking ownership? Are we recognizing progress? Are we addressing problems before they become bigger problems?
Remember:
“The culture you tolerate is the culture you keep.”
If something isn't aligned with the organization you want to build, address it now.
At the same time, don't overlook what is going right. Recognize the people who are demonstrating the culture you want.
People repeat what leaders recognize.
THE SEPTEMBER TAKEAWAY:
Identify one behavior you want to see more of—and intentionally recognize it when you see it.
THE 3 SHIPS OF LEADERSHIP
As you start September, remember that strong leadership doesn't happen in isolation.
RELATIONSHIPS
Who are you investing in?
LEADERSHIP
What are you modeling and communicating?
PARTNERSHIPS
Who are you bringing alongside you to accomplish what matters most?
When these three work together, organizations become stronger.
RLR LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
Before September gets away from you, take five minutes and answer these three questions:
1. Who needs me right now?
2. What matters most right now?
3. What do I need to model?
Then lead accordingly.
Don't simply get through September.
Lead through September.
Be intentional. Be visible. Be encouraging. Be clear. Be consistent.
Most importantly, remember that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about serving, supporting, and helping others become better because you were there.
START SEPTEMBER STRONG.
Your people are watching. Your culture is forming. And the work you're doing today is helping shape what your organization becomes tomorrow.
Serve. Support. Help Leaders and Their Organizations.
– Randy L. Russell, Ph.D.
President, RLR Leadership Consulting
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Are you ready to develop or update your Strategic Plan for 2026-27?
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Contact us today for your free consultation with Randy and Erich.
Who's In Your Inner Circle?
RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project
Think about the people closest to you. The ones you share ideas with, lean on for support, and let influence your decisions. That group—your inner circle—shapes how you see yourself, the choices you make, and even the risks you’re willing to take.
Sometimes, those relationships give you energy and push you forward. Other times, they hold you back. That’s why RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project have teamed up to create Your Inner Circle—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and intentionally shape the connections that matter most.
In this experience, you’ll:
Identify who truly belongs in your circle
Learn how to set healthy boundaries when needed
Build trust that actually lasts
Choose connections that make you stronger
Because the truth is, leadership isn’t just about strategy or skills—it’s about people. And the people closest to you can either empower your growth or limit your potential.
We’d love for you to join us. As a special opportunity, use code Randy15 for a discounted price—but hurry, this offer won’t last long.
https://thecorepro.com/coregroups/p/your-inner-circle-curriculum
Your circle matters. Choose it wisely.
If you would like me, or someone from our RLR Team, to speak or work with your school and/or school district, please contact us at www.randyrussell.org.
Save the Date
Please join me for one of these upcoming events I'll be presenting/available at:
DRIVE to EXCELLENCE 2026 Making Every Mile Count - Laurel, MT
October 15, 2026
Project Leadership - Sun Valley, ID
Nov/Dec, 2026
Partnership Spotlight
RLR Leadership Consulting is proud to partner with SBMC Solutions, helping organizations bridge the gap between strategy and implementation.
From websites, social media, newsletters, and email campaigns to the systems and support needed to put broader initiatives into action, SBMC helps organizations communicate effectively and keep important work moving forward.
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