As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button, reflect on past achievements, and look forward to what we want to accomplish. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a larger department, how you kick off the year can set the tone for everything that follows.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s intentional. And as managers, part of our job is to guide our teams in a way that fosters growth, collaboration, and achievement. But how do we do that? Let’s break it down.
1. Gather Your Team to Set Goals
Before diving into the work ahead, it’s essential to gather your team together. This isn’t just a simple meeting to go over expectations. It’s a time for shared vision, clear communication, and team alignment. Set aside time early in the year to sit down with your team and talk about where you all want to go.
Make this a collaborative effort. Ask for input on the goals they would like to see achieved, both personally and as a team. A sense of ownership can make all the difference in how motivated and engaged your team feels.
Goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. But don’t just talk about the ‘what’ — dive into the ‘why’ behind these goals. Understanding the reasoning behind them will give everyone the clarity they need to move forward.
2. Build a Vision for the Future
A great manager isn’t just focused on the here and now. You must be able to build a compelling vision of the future and share it with your team. When your team knows what’s ahead and how they fit into the bigger picture, they can better direct their energy and efforts.
Take some time to share a forward-looking vision for your department or team. Discuss new projects, potential challenges, and areas of growth. Connect the team’s day-to-day efforts to the larger mission of the company. This is also a great opportunity to inspire and encourage.
A well-known leadership expert, Simon Sinek, once said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” This quote underscores the idea that as a manager, your role isn’t to simply give orders; it’s about helping your team see their place in the grand scheme of things and guiding them to succeed.
3. Plan for the Future — Strategically
Once you’ve set goals and built a shared vision, it’s time to turn those ideas into action plans. Strategically, you’ll want to ensure that both short-term and long-term initiatives are in place. Break down your goals into achievable steps, and prioritize them. This will prevent your team from feeling overwhelmed and give them a clear roadmap for what’s to come.
One of the most important aspects of planning for the future is to allow flexibility. The best-laid plans can still run into unexpected challenges. Be open to course corrections and pivot when necessary. The flexibility you exhibit as a manager will give your team the confidence to do the same.
4. Wisdom for Leading
As a manager, leading with wisdom and integrity is crucial. The Bible provides timeless advice on leadership. One passage that stands out is Proverbs 16:3, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This is a reminder that, no matter how well we plan, it’s always important to seek guidance, whether through faith, reflection, or mentorship.
Starting the year off with a sense of purpose and intentionality, grounded in wisdom, helps keep us focused on what’s truly important: serving our teams, building a thriving workplace culture, and contributing to the broader mission of our organization.
Conclusion: A Year of Growth and Success
As you begin this new year as a manager, remember that the actions you take now will set the tone for the months ahead. Gather your team, build a compelling vision, set strategic goals, and remain flexible in your planning. Most importantly, remember that leadership is about serving others and empowering your team to succeed.
Let’s make this year one of growth, collaboration, and success. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could apart.