I firmly believe there is a direct correlation between employee burnout and lack of planning. When companies fail to plan, everything becomes the priority and companies become reactive. This makes it very difficult for employees to know when to say yes to and when to say no. Unsurprisingly, it becomes difficult for employees to manage their time.
In my experience, businesses don’t grow under these conditions. Businesses looking to start or keep growing in 2025, will need a plan that communicates what employees are responsible for, and that models commitment, accountability and courageous conversations.
My advice? Go slow to go fast. Deal with the process now and we’ll be celebrating all your wins at the end of 2025!
Here are a few of my favourite tips for a better planning process:
1. Done is better than perfect.
Too often teams debate the perfect objective, the perfect wording or the perfect measurement for success. Yes, engage in the debate—that’s where the magic lies-but don’t let it stop you from actually writing something down. Set out a schedule for your planning, time block, have someone keep time and get it done!
2. Agree on common language
It’s difficult for objectives or goals to ripple out and get traction when everyone is using a different language…I call them priorities, you call them rocks. I call them objectives, you call them goals. I call them key results, you call them KPIs.
What’s your shared language? Create a glossary of terms and share it widely so everyone understands their definitions and uses consistent wording.
3. Assign an internal champion
Assigning a shepherd to spearhead and own this process ensures commitment and follow-through. This does not have to be a senior leader but someone who is truly great at organizing and holding time. This role is truly about accountability and effective meeting management. Effective meetings are how we execute the plans. Having a champion to own the scheduling, facilitation and follow up is key to consistency, commitment and accountability.
4. Assessing is part of the PLAN in PLAN-DO-CHECK-ACT
What do you measure to determine success? How often? Do you have an agile process like plan-do-check-act? How good is your review process on big and small projects? I see many companies rush or skip over reviews entirely. Neglecting to give the review process the necessary time and attention it needs does not allow for aligned understanding of root problems.
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Make sure you set priorities and objectives to grow in areas that will have the greatest return on investment for your business. Investing time in improving an existing product may be more beneficial than focusing on innovating and creating something new.
5. Lock in your 2025 Key Dates now!
Every business should have an internal calendar that is posted in a central location. Set your dates now for 2025 budgeting, quarterly reviews, employee check-ins, employee socials, fireside chats, etc. Use your technology and sync them for all to see!
‘Tis the season to set your objectives for next year. Let me be frank: many businesses don’t have a plan or even a widely understood planning process. It’s work they know they should do but can’t quite seem to get right. They start, but they don’t consistently follow through and follow up. Having no plan or shared objectives can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and disengagement. Position your business and teams for success in 2025 by aligning on the key priorities that matter most to your goals.
Reach out if you have any questions! All the best! CD