As the year draws to a close, leaders have a unique opportunity to connect with their teams, celebrate progress, and set the foundation for success in the year ahead. Here are five core year-end activities every leader should consider to close out the year on a high note and create momentum for the future:
1. Reflect and Recognize Achievements
Taking time to reflect on the accomplishments of the team and acknowledging individual contributions is crucial at year’s end. Celebrate both team achievements and personal milestones to show that each person’s efforts matter. Reflect on wins, big or small, and ensure they’re recognized, whether through a public shout-out, a celebratory email, or a small team gathering. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture of appreciation. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
2. Engage in Goal Setting and Vision Casting
The end of the year is a natural time to start thinking about the future. Use this moment to align with your team on goals for the new year. Involve team members in discussions about the upcoming projects and initiatives, making sure their voices are heard and their aspirations are considered. This can be achieved through a goal-setting workshop, using tools like Jennifer’s PlanDoTrack Workbook and Planner to guide your team in setting clear, actionable goals. When everyone understands the “why” behind the goals, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
3. Host a Year-End Team-Building Activity
Year-end activities aren’t just about work; they’re also an opportunity to strengthen connections. Organize a team-building event that’s fun, interactive, and brings people together in a relaxed setting. Consider activities like a team lunch, a trivia game, or a virtual gathering for remote teams. Team-building activities can help reinforce trust, encourage open communication, and create a sense of belonging that will carry into the new year.
4. Review and Refine Processes
Year-end is a perfect time to assess the team’s processes and workflows. Encourage team members to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Gather feedback on tools, communication methods, and operational procedures, and invite ideas for making things more efficient. Use this feedback to make adjustments that will streamline workflows and reduce friction, ensuring that your team starts the new year with a refreshed and optimized approach.
5. Promote Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
As the year winds down, stress levels can run high with year-end deadlines and personal holiday obligations. Be mindful of your team’s well-being, and promote a healthy work-life balance. Consider offering flexible hours, encouraging time off, or even introducing well-being resources like mindfulness sessions or team “unplug” hours. When you show concern for your team’s health and well-being, you create a more supportive work environment and increase overall engagement.
Conclusion
These five activities – reflecting, setting goals, building connections, refining processes, and promoting well-being – create a holistic approach to ending the year on a positive note. By engaging in these actions, leaders can cultivate a strong team culture, inspire motivation, and ensure everyone feels prepared and excited for the opportunities ahead. Ending the year with purpose sets the tone for a successful and fulfilling new year for both leaders and their teams.
1. Reflect and Recognize Achievements
Taking time to reflect on the accomplishments of the team and acknowledging individual contributions is crucial at year’s end. Celebrate both team achievements and personal milestones to show that each person’s efforts matter. Reflect on wins, big or small, and ensure they’re recognized, whether through a public shout-out, a celebratory email, or a small team gathering. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture of appreciation. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
2. Engage in Goal Setting and Vision Casting
The end of the year is a natural time to start thinking about the future. Use this moment to align with your team on goals for the new year. Involve team members in discussions about the upcoming projects and initiatives, making sure their voices are heard and their aspirations are considered. This can be achieved through a goal-setting workshop, using tools like Jennifer’s PlanDoTrack Workbook and Planner to guide your team in setting clear, actionable goals. When everyone understands the “why” behind the goals, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
3. Host a Year-End Team-Building Activity
Year-end activities aren’t just about work; they’re also an opportunity to strengthen connections. Organize a team-building event that’s fun, interactive, and brings people together in a relaxed setting. Consider activities like a team lunch, a trivia game, or a virtual gathering for remote teams. Team-building activities can help reinforce trust, encourage open communication, and create a sense of belonging that will carry into the new year.
4. Review and Refine Processes
Year-end is a perfect time to assess the team’s processes and workflows. Encourage team members to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Gather feedback on tools, communication methods, and operational procedures, and invite ideas for making things more efficient. Use this feedback to make adjustments that will streamline workflows and reduce friction, ensuring that your team starts the new year with a refreshed and optimized approach.
5. Promote Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
As the year winds down, stress levels can run high with year-end deadlines and personal holiday obligations. Be mindful of your team’s well-being, and promote a healthy work-life balance. Consider offering flexible hours, encouraging time off, or even introducing well-being resources like mindfulness sessions or team “unplug” hours. When you show concern for your team’s health and well-being, you create a more supportive work environment and increase overall engagement.
Conclusion
These five activities – reflecting, setting goals, building connections, refining processes, and promoting well-being – create a holistic approach to ending the year on a positive note. By engaging in these actions, leaders can cultivate a strong team culture, inspire motivation, and ensure everyone feels prepared and excited for the opportunities ahead. Ending the year with purpose sets the tone for a successful and fulfilling new year for both leaders and their teams.
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram:@ReconnectingWorkspaces @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Looking for bite-sized boosts to your work as a coach, leader or during your onboarding process? Check out our Card Decks. Now available on Deckible:
90-Day Guide for Success – Deck 1 – Days 1 – 30 (for new leaders, onboarding or those wanting a sprint) – https://bit.ly/90dayguidedeck1
ACTIVATE Your Group and Team Coaching Superpowers (for coaches) – https://bit.ly/activatedeck
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our card decks, customized team development and leadership training, OR award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/jennbritton/15-minute-exploration-call
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