3 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Start The Year Well

It’s a new year, and leaders of businesses large and small are doing the critical work of setting themselves, employees, and organizations up for success in the months ahead. I’ve been through this January planning phase many times in my entrepreneurial journey and wanted to share a few insights that our JumpScale community and I have identified over the years. 

Tip 1: Set Aspirations, Not Resolutions

Far too often, entrepreneurs focus their teams on defining resolutions for the year, usually set on undoing negative patterns. Rather than trying to avoid something, set positive aspirations that are reasonable and measurable (no more than two or three in total). After teams define aspirations for the year, break them down into smaller, quantifiable, and easily trackable goals. Then, involve your team in working toward these goals and celebrate success along the way. Achieving these small steps can be victories for the team and help reinforce a positive workplace culture.

Tip 2: Keep Plans Flexible & Embrace the Pivot

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve advised our clients to focus on flexibility and adaptability as they face the many challenges thrown their way. I believe that the biggest challenge to most businesses this coming year will be to accept that what was wild and chaotic in the past is now the new normal. Many of the “temporary” changes we’ve made are permanent, and our rapidly evolving world will demand innovation we can’t yet imagine. To thrive in this new environment, leaders must develop new systems and supports to ensure good work on a personal, team, organizational level. Learn more about adaptation strategies from myself and my JumpScale colleagues Daniel and Nikki here.

Tip 3: Investing in Your People is the Best Investment 

If your organization survived the past two years, you’ve determined how to pivot and adapt your business model to meet customer demand. But have you met the needs of your team along the way?

Many business owners learned the hard lesson that ignoring employees’ emotional and physical wellness can lead to catastrophic business impacts, including high employee turnover. To support long-term wellbeing for your team (and you!) this year and beyond, revisit your business model and budget to incorporate wellbeing supports into the fabric of your organization. A healthy team is the biggest asset any organization can have in navigating the unpredictability still to come.

We wish you a happy 2022!