Wow, what a year! 2014 seemed to fly by, and with 2015 just around the corner now is the best time to slow down, reflect on the past year, and position yourself and your organization for the year ahead. In order to really capitalize on your next phase of growth, it's important to be clear on your vision for 2015 and beyond. At eQ, we recommend preparing in a number of ways:
1. Ask questions. This applies to you, personally, as well as to your organization as a whole. A Voice of the Employee (VOE) survey can help you to achieve this quickly and efficiently. Invite your team to offer their feedback and insight on the past year: things that went well, areas where there is room for improvement; as well as input on the coming year: is there a clear vision for 2015, how they personally can contribute to the organizations vision, what tools they may need to be more successful. Keep the survey brief, and even consider making it optional. Encourage your team to be open and honest, this information will be valuable for ensuring alignment for 2015.
2. Reflect as a team This is generally easier for smaller teams, but it's important for everyone to feel connected to the past year, and to all the potential for the coming year. This can be as simple as coming together in one place and sharing their biggest highlights of the year, professional and personal, and sharing what everyone envisions for 2015.
3. Do some vision work. We believe that the vision should be collaborative or, at the very least, be crystal clear and communicated across the organization. Don't hesitate to ask your team to describe their vision for the coming year, set expectations and goals, devise a plan to reach set goals. This is where reflection meets strategy. The ultimate goal is to get everyone clear and aligned on the vision for 2015, and mindful of how they can contribute.
4. Celebrate! Celebrate all of the years successes, celebrate your hardworking, passionate, and dedicated team, celebrate your organizations growth thus far, and cheers to the next phase of growth!
Wrap up 2014 with gratitude and reflection and ring in 2015 with intention, a clear vision, and excitement. Make this year your best year yet! Cheers to your growth and success!
Tara Fox is a Project Specialist at entreQuest and works closely with all eQ team members to provide employees and clients with remarkable experiences.
