Here we are at the start of a new year, a time for reflection. For some, it’s about wondering why we missed out on achieving our goals. For others, it’s a fresh opportunity to succeed.
Today will be the first day in the office of 2025. Many will say “this year will be different!” but will it? Statistics show that less than 15% of New Year’s resolutions last 30 days. Less than 10% achieve their goals at all! Let’s not make today the start of another failed resolution. Let’s set you up for success today!
Is your goal for the New Year to make permanent changes in your business? Focusing on clearly identifying the need for change is vital for achieving your goals. It is not just about changing for the sake of doing something different. This strategy is central to reaching those objectives.
In order to be part of the less than 10% that achieve their goals, your plan needs to include developing a well-communicated plan with specific goals. Actively involve your team, providing necessary training and support. Consistently monitor progress to ensure that the change sticks. All of this will greatly increase your odds of success.
Key strategies for lasting business change that Achieves Goals:
- Identify the need for change:Analyze your current business performance, market trends, and customer feedback to pinpoint areas that require improvement or adaptation.
- Set clear goals:
Clearly define the desired outcomes of the change. Ensure they are measurable and achievable. By doing so, the odds of achieving your goals go up dramatically! - Communicate effectively:
Clearly explain the rationale behind the change, the benefits for employees, and the implementation plan to all stakeholders.
This is a Team Sport!
- Involve your team:
Engage employees in the change process by soliciting feedback and involving them in decision-making. Delegate action items to them so they are actively involved in the change. Provide opportunities for training. Don’t just make it about achieving your goals, make it about the team’s goals! - Appoint a change team:
Establish a dedicated team to lead the change initiative. They will be responsible for planning, execution, and monitoring progress. Have them report progress to the leadership team. Ensure this is part of your weekly leadership team meetings. (You are having weekly leadership team meetings, right?) - Create a roadmap:
Develop a detailed plan outlining the steps, timelines, responsibilities, and milestones for implementing the change. Change is much more likely to be successful when we break it down into bite-sized pieces. - Provide training and support:
Offer necessary training to equip employees with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to the new processes. Please don’t set them up to fail by expecting them to just “figure it out”. - Monitor and measure:
- Regularly track progress against established goals. Identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed (also known as “tapping the armadillo”). Achieving your goals relies on consistent evaluation and adjustment.
- Foster a change-oriented culture:
Encourage a mindset that embraces continuous improvement. Welcome new ideas to sustain change over time. This is imperative if you seek to be a growth organization. Your team knows more about how to improve your company than you think. They are just waiting for an opportunity to show you how!
Important considerations:
- Address resistance:
Be prepared to address concerns and resistance. Actively work to mitigate these issues through open communication and support. - Be flexible and adaptable:
Acknowledge that changes may need to be adjusted based on feedback and evolving circumstances. Achieving your goals requires adapting to new challenges as they arise. - Celebrate small successes:
Recognize and reward positive contributions along the way during the change process. There is no better way to maintain motivation and momentum!
What are your changes that you are committing to in 2025 that will lead to achieving your goals? Let us know in the comments.
If you need help creating a plan reach out to us here.
Cheers to the changes you will achieve in 2025!