Summary: As leaders, the start of a new year provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the past and set the tone for the future. One key aspect to focus on is fostering a positive organizational culture that propels your teams toward success. Here are some actionable strategies for leaders to kickstart the new year with a positive cultural approach, ensuring staff engagement, motivation, and success.
Dear Dr. Lafair,
It’s been a rough year!
Yes, we made money and can give bonuses.
All that is good.
However, looking to the new year makes me reach for the anti-acid tablets.
My crystal ball is cloudy, and I don’t want to make promises to my employees that I cannot keep.
Yet, I want to start the year with a sense of “YES” even though most of my thoughts are more in the “MAYBE” realm.
I’ve been a leader long enough to know that employee well-being is not just a corporate buzzword.
In fact, it’s a vital factor contributing to company success.
You are one of the top health and wellbeing coaches by Thinkers 360 for 2023. I would appreciate thoughts on what to consider for 2024.
Signed, I Care
Employee well-being is a hot topic for 2024
Dear I Care,
Starting the New Year with a positive cultural approach benefits your team’s well-being and contributes to overall success and productivity.
You are on the right path.
By implementing the following strategies, you and all leaders can create an environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and a shared sense of accomplishment.
Here we go, one step at a time.
Reflect on achievements and challenges of the past year
Start by acknowledging the accomplishments and challenges of the previous year. Celebrate successes and learn from the setbacks.
This sets the stage for a transparent and reflective leadership approach.
Send a short email to your team that you can title “Leadership Reflections” or merely “Reflections.” Accomplishments first. People can hear more when they have been acknowledged. Then, provide the vision in one or two sentences for organizational growth for the year ahead.
Here are some examples, “Help people flourish with our brand of healthy nutrients.” Or “We make the rainbows after the rain with our products.” You know what to say, so say it at the beginning of the year.
That’s it. Make it short with a ton of sweetness.
Define clear goals and objectives
This is NOT to discuss detailed budgets; that should have been done in Q4.
Here, you communicate the organizational objectives and have each person on the team offer their perspective on how they will help deliver the deliverables.
Keep it light and move quickly. This is to underscore that it is magical when you include everyone to help create collaboration.
Encourage open communication and collaboration.
It is your job to foster a culture of open communication where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas and providing feedback.
Here is an easy way for you to lead the discussion. It is what you learned in kindergarten! Say several times during the meeting a variation of “Thank you for your input” and add, “It means a lot to me to have you all willing to speak out and share your thoughts.”
Until the individuals feel psychological safety, they will most often bury their thoughts. Consider open communication, like finding the buried treasure right under your feet.
This is called “collaborative leadership,” so everyone feels appreciated and heard.
You may even share some articles about how practical communication and diverse perspectives are a significant route to bottom-line success.
Invest in employee development.
Prioritize professional growth by investing in training and opportunities for your staff.
Employee development offers career growth and is always valued. Ask what they want to further their growth, then let HR take it and run.
Training programs that help employees address mental health issues are now front and center in organizations for employee retention.
For example, several growing INC 500 companies I work with have implemented mindfulness programs to enhance employee focus and reduce stress. Others use our Stress Busters online program, which employees can do at home.
Mindfulness workshops and a dedicated quiet space in the office contribute to a more relaxed yet focused environment,
HOWEVER, please do not overpromise. I have seen these mental health programs turn ugly when employees expect to discuss every ache, pain, emotional discomfort, and home issue and resolve them.
Work is NOT a Rehab Facility!
In conclusion, embrace the power of positivity and watch your organization thrive in the coming year.
PS. Hey leaders, please take care of yourself while you care for your employees.
