Reflect, Celebrate and Plan
Reflect on 2018
“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.”
-Leonardo da Vinci
In order to maximize your success and tackle the coming year most effectively, it is important to reflect on what occurred in 2018. Specifically, how did you do and what can you build upon? Review the goals you created in the beginning of the year, as well as what information you captured during the course of the year. Compare and contrast your goals with actual outcomes. Celebrate the successes and determine how to tackle (and improve upon) areas where you fell short. Isolate individual efforts and contributions where possible.
Celebrate Individual and Collective Accomplishments
“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
Everyone reacts more positively to praise than criticism. Periodic compliments for “a job well done” is crucial to reinforcing desired behaviors. Use the Holiday Season to celebrate what you have accomplished individually and as a team. This shows you have been paying attention and that their hard work has been recognized and appreciated.
Know how each of your employees prefers to be rewarded, and respond accordingly. While some may prefer financial compensation, others may wish for public praise or time together best. Unless you have connected with your employees and pinpointed what drives them personally and professionally, you may be deploying the wrong incentives.
Planning for 2019
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
-Winston Churchill
Use reflection and celebration as a spring board for 2019 (future) planning. Use this time to think about (and write) individual and team goals. Determine what you need to accomplish and how you are going to do it. Take a look at our Four Quarter Planning Model. It may provide useful as you begin to think through your desired goals for the coming year.