Tackling the final stretch of the business year

It may not seem like it just yet, but the end of the year is fast approaching. And, with December – and often much of November – knocked out by end-of-year celebrations, busy social calendars, and last-minute rushes to finalise projects, it can be a hectic time. So, taking the time out now, earlier in October, can be a great way to reflect on the year, prepare for what’s coming and celebrate the wins. 

Reflect on the year that’s been

The end of the year can get so busy that it can be difficult to fit true reflection in amongst the festivities. That’s why it’s so important to take time now before the busy social season sneaks up on you, to reflect on the year that you and your team have had. 

To reflect, think about asking yourself and your team: 

• What did you set out to achieve this year? 
• Did you achieve everything you wanted to? 
• What were the things you didn’t get to? Are they things you still want to do in the new year? 
• What were the challenges that stopped you from achieving these things? 
• Have you celebrated the successes of your team sufficiently?

Asking these questions will help you get to the bottom of the most important parts of the year, and set you up well to consider what’s next. 

Plan for the year ahead

With a new year  in front of you, it can be exciting to think of everything you and your team can achieve. It’s too easy for this plan to turn into a never-ending laundry list of all the tasks you’d like to get done. Instead, think of 2-3 impactful things you’d like to do in the coming year across the key areas of your business. 

Consider what you would like to achieve: 

• For your team members 
• For your clients / customers 
• Any financial goals or metrics 
• With new innovative practices 

Coming up with a couple of these ‘must-dos’ for the year ahead can help leaders and teams to focus on the important things. Long lists of tasks can look impressive, but they can mean that you get caught up in the little things and become distracted from those bigger, formative goals. 

Celebrate success 

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to celebrate, not just the end of a year, but any successes throughout the year – big or small! It’s a time when you come together as a team, leading fun activities, getting excited about some rest and the idea of a fresh new year, and it’s the perfect time to show appreciation for the hard work and commitment from the team. 

Celebrating success doesn’t just have to be confined to your team, either. Thank your team, thank customers for their support, spend time engaging in corporate social responsibility activities to support those less fortunate, and spread the appreciation around! 

Winding down for the year is important, but it’s also important to use that time wisely to make sure your team is reinvigorated for the year ahead. 

Want to become a leader that reflects, plans and celebrates effectively? People Make the Difference can help. To find out more, visit www.pmtd.com.au or call us on 0412 333 415. Try our online leadership training videos – $99 for complete access. Great value if you’re committed to growing your leadership potential.