The December Audit Every Leader Should Do (And It’s Not Financial)

By the time December arrives, most leaders are ready to catch their breath. The year’s major decisions have been made, the pressure eases, and—just for a moment—the noise quiets. That quiet is incredibly valuable. It gives you space to step back and ask yourself some important questions:

How did I show up this year? What do I want to be known for? And does my personal brand reflect the leader I truly am?

If you've never done one before, now is the perfect time to conduct a Personal Brand Audit, and here's why:

You have a full year of insight to reflect on

Over the course of a year, you make hundreds of decisions, navigate challenges, support your team, and lead meaningful work. December offers the perspective to look back and ask whether your external presence aligns with all of that.

A brand audit helps you assess whether your thought leadership, LinkedIn presence, speaking topics and overall narrative tell the right story about the leader you are today, and the leader you're becoming.

The business world is resetting, which makes it the perfect moment for you to reset too

Across industries, this is the season of planning, forecasting and setting new priorities. Leaders who take time to refine their voice, clarify their message and articulate their value now are the ones who enter the new year with confidence and clarity.

A personal brand audit helps you reconnect with what matters most—your values, your purpose, your strengths—and ensures your external message feels true to who you are as a person and a leader. When your internal identity and external voice align, people can feel it. It builds trust and credibility.

Questions to guide your December brand audit

These prompts will help you look inward before you begin shaping or reshaping anything outward:

Start with your present:

• What do you feel you’re best at?

• What do you love most about your role?

• What do you want to lean into more?

• What do you wish more people knew about you?

  
  

Then look toward your future:

• What do you hope to share more of in 2026?

• What would you love your personal brand to signal or stand for?

  
  

And, if possible, ask others:

• What strengths do people consistently see in you?

• What words would they use to describe your leadership?

• What impact do they feel you have on your organization?

  
  

Sometimes the most powerful insights come from perspectives you hadn’t considered.

Your December Reset

So take December to pause, reflect, and be intentional about how you want to show up in the New Year, rather than reactive. If you’re looking for support pulling all the pieces together, from clarifying your values to knowing what to say and how to show up with confidence and consistency, let’s connect!

You can also email me at hello@rapconsulting.ca to receive my free brand audit checklist.