A Strategic Start: Five Research-Backed Ways Leaders Can Turn New Year’s Momentum Into Organizational Change
As the new year begins, social media buzzes with resolution posts. There are those of the personal variety—joining a gym, spending more time with family—and then those with a professional bent—leaving work at 5 PM sharp, silencing slack after hours.
While goals undoubtedly contribute to healthier, happier individuals—and by extension, a better workplace—the new year also presents leaders with an opportunity to reflect on organizational goals. This isn’t just about business strategy; it’s about people strategy. Were there too many meetings clogging up calendars? Did project management crumble under the pressure of deadlines? Most organizations have at least one area ripe for improvement.
Here are five evidence-based strategies to set impactful (and successful) goals at your organization:
REFLECT & RESET
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to look back. Reflecting on the previous year—through project postmortems and meaningful one-on-one sessions—can help you uncover key lessons about what worked, what didn’t, and where there’s room for growth. Understanding past successes and challenges allows you to make improvements going forward.
START SMALL & BE SPECIFIC
Big, sweeping goals can be daunting—and often unattainable. Instead, focus on small, actionable objectives. Better yet? Make those small goals as detailed as possible. For example, instead of resolving to “improve communication,” commit to implementing a team-wide project management tool by Q2. Small, specific actions lead to big results over time.
PRIORITIZE WHAT MATTERS
The New York Times suggests categorizing tasks as “glass balls” and “rubber balls.” Glass balls represent priorities that can’t be dropped without harm, while rubber balls can bounce back if postponed. Organizations should focus on doing a few things exceptionally well, rather than stretching themselves too thin and producing mediocre results.
SUPPORT YOUR TEAM
The most impactful resolution a leader or organization can make? Supporting the aspirations of their team. Facilitate mentorship opportunities, provide skill development resources, or roll out wellness initiatives that align with your team’s values and goals. When employees feel empowered to grow, organizations reap the rewards of a happier, more engaged workforce.
CHECK IN & CELEBRATE
Goal-setting isn’t an exact science, so make it a habit to regularly assess progress and refine objectives as needed. You might also consider implementing recognition programs to highlight achievements or introducing team-based challenges to foster collaboration. Celebrating milestones—big or small—can keep morale high and momentum strong.
There are many ways to set good goals, but the key is finding alignment with your organization’s goals and values, as well as your team’s unique needs. By embracing reflection at the start of the year, organizations can create a roadmap for sustainable practices that drive success all year long.
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