In 2014, I began a simple practice that became one of the most consistent rituals in my leadership journey.
Each month, I shared three words – a short mantra to guide reflection, intention, and focus.
Not long essays.
Not complicated frameworks.
Just three words.
And somehow, that simplicity became powerful.
Over time, it created a rhythm – one that helped me and my community pause, realign, and lead with greater clarity and intention.
Earlier this year, I stepped away from this practice intentionally to focus on other priorities and unintentionally because the year had an interesting start.
Then, I missed it.
I missed the reflection.
I missed the clarity.
I missed the discipline of naming what truly matters.
My Word for 2026: Stewardship
Each year, I choose a guiding word. For 2026, that word is stewardship.
Stewardship is how we care for what has been entrusted to us and leadership is not just about achievement.
It’s about responsibility, alignment, and intentional care.
Although many of us were taught to do more, carry more, and endure more, stewardship asks, “what am I intentionally choosing to nurture, protect, and grow and what am I no longer available to carry?”
The Return of These 3 Words
So, this month, I’m bringing These 3 Words back. Starting in April, I’ll share three-word mantras rooted in stewardship and leadership. I’m giving you January to March retroactively.
A rhythm.
A reset.
Where are you being called to steward yourself differently right now?
Not perform.
Not prove.
Not push.
But steward.
Stay close. This is just the beginning.
PS. Happy Birthday to Me!!!
Nicki Sanders, MSW is the Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting and the creator of the S.O.F.T. Leadership™ framework – a liberation-centered approach to people-first, aligned leadership. With over 20 years of professional experience including nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and higher education, she works passionately with high-performing Women of Color leaders and values-driven organizations to build cultures rooted in wholeness, purpose, and lasting impact. Nicki is a nationally recognized thought leader, professor, coach, and facilitator proving that sustainable success does not require self-sacrifice.
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