Why Leaders Should Start the New Year with a Plan

Do you want to ensure 2023 is your most successful yet?  

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We’ve now had a few years of disruption for a variety of reasons, depending on local conditions and where you operate. Of course, most businesses have been impacted significantly by the pandemic, many negatively, however, some businesses have been positively impacted by opportunities that have arisen through the Pandemic of which they have been able to take advantage. Those businesses that have best been able to “ride the wave” have had good plans in place, but also had “wriggle room” within those plans – adapting them to the ever changing conditions that have been dealt.

Strong businesses have processes in place to set goals for the coming year. As a business leader, it’s essential to take the time to develop a plan for the coming year so that you can ensure you make the most of your time and resources. This plan should include short- and long-term goals and strategies for reaching those goals.

As we approach the end of the calendar year 2022, it is a perfect time to review the year to date, finalise the current calendar year and plan for a successful 2023. In Australia, the end of the calendar year represents the first half of our financial year, so it is entirely appropriate to review and modify the existing plan and results and modify activities to ensure that the plan meet the goals set prior to the beginning of the Financial Year.

By starting the second half of the financial year, or the new calendar year with a plan – you can get right to it when you’re back at work from the Festive Season, maximising the momentum you had prior to the break.

A good plan will help keep you focused and motivated throughout the year, which in turn will help you manage your resources better and ultimately meet your business objectives. It all takes planning and prioritising.

Let’s discuss some essential points to consider for your annual planning: 

  1. Review the Year to Date 

Before planning for the coming year, it is important to reflect on the current one. And don’t just assume everything was all bad or all good. There were successes, mistakes, and encounters that affected your business and some that did not. Examine what pushed you ahead and what held you back. Note this information so you may use it to create a strategic plan for the coming year.

2. Finalise the current calendar year 

In the last quarter of the year, it’s important to wrap up all smaller items and big tasks. This ensures that everything is accounted for and helps prepare for the new year. Instead of letting small tasks pile up, stay on top and get them done efficiently. This way, you’ll be able to focus on more significant projects and goals. Plus, crossing items off your “to-do” list can give you a sense of accomplishment – who doesn’t love the feeling of checking something off a list?

3. Review your plan for the upcoming year or create one.

Do you already have an established plan for the New Year? If not, now is the time to start putting one together. You should begin by incorporating any non-completed activities from the previous period and ensuring there is a place for them in your upcoming plan. Assessing your objectives and creating a roadmap with specific steps to help achieve those objectives along with measurable milestones, ensures the greatest opportunity for success. It also allows for the goals to be “shared” across the organisation ensuring that everyone in the organisation understands what needs to be done and has a sense of ownership in reaching the goal.

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