With Christmas Eve upon us, and most of us embarking on a well-deserved break, my wish is that 2013 brings meaning, connection and energy in abundance, in your work and in life.  If you do have the chance for reflection over the break, I highly recommend this brief and concise read from McKinsey on Centred Leadership: How talented women thrive.  The gist of this piece is that successful leaders consistently demonstrate 5 dimensions of leadership: Meaning; Managing Energy; Positive Framing; Connecting; and Engaging.

I was reminded of this McKinsey research last week at a Women Of Influence luncheon generously hosted by Victoria Geddes of First Advisers.  The women around the table, from diverse industries and sectors, shared hundreds of years of combined experience, their personal inspiration in business, and more than a few war stories on what it takes to make it to the top.

Crafting a career that has true meaning was absolutely pivotal for everyone; as was the ability to manage energy on both professional and personal levels; and of course the connections via networks and support structures that are the foundation of any senior role today.

If you can find a quiet 5 minutes to yourself over the break, I recommend a revisit of the McKinsey piece along with one simple question: what will be your meaning in 2013?

And as a final parting gift for 2012, I leave with you with this stunning collaboration that was forwarded by Paula.  It’s a beautiful metaphor of the power of our connections and left me with goosebumps.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

With best wishes for a wonderful year ahead in 2013,

Jen