As we’re now moving into a new year, the question may come to mind, ‘Have I achieved the goals and aims I set out to reach last year?’. Your team may have reached their end-of-year targets. But what about 2025? So, here are 3 simple ways to plan for the next year with your team.
1. Look back at your successes and failures of last year
It’s tempting to immediately start thinking about your plans for the new year. But before you do, stop and ask your team the following:
- Which goals did we achieve last year?
- What has been successful?
- Which goals have we struggled to meet and why?
- Where have we made mistakes?
- How can we use what we’ve learnt in our plan for 2025?
It’s helpful to understand your achievements and shortcomings to better plan for the new year.
2. Define your goals
Now you know what’s worked and what hasn’t, it’s time to set your goals for the year ahead. The best way to do this is by using S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely), developed by George Doran.
Specific: It is crucial to be very clear and specific with your goals and hold people accountable.
Measurable: Identify how you will measure and track success.
Attainable: Understand the resources needed to achieve your goals.
Realistic: Although it’s good to dream big, make sure your plans are reachable.
Timely: Set a date or timeframe you’d like to reach your goals.
Once your team are on board with a shared vision, detailed planning can begin.
3. Make a detailed plan
The time has come to put together an action plan for the year. With your goals in mind, follow these tips to put your plan together:
- Assign tasks to your team members. Be very clear about what they are expected to do. Make sure they have everything they need to achieve their tasks.
- With your timelines set for your goals, work backwards from the end result in order to outline the steps needed to achieve them.
- As seen with COVID-19, anything can happen in the year so it’s important to stay flexible. Regularly review your plans and be willing to adjust anything if needed.
- Communicate clearly and regularly about your progress and new visions. It’s important to keep everyone on board.
Founding Father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, once said, ‘By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail’. As we look to 2025, an entire year stands before you with endless possibilities.
This is the time to get together and refocus your aims and values on what is most important. The best way to make your plans for 2025 is by taking your team away. After a residential retreat, you'll come back ready with a solid plan in place.
If you’re interested in coming away for a planning conference with your team, make sure to use our midweek rates to get the best deal. With our all-inclusive price, your team will be well looked after.
