Is the Christmas break already feeling like a distant memory? Already starting to burn the candle at both ends and wondering how you are going to get all the things done?
Yeah. I know the feeling. It’s always a bit chaotic at this time of year, isn’t it?
It’s also a great time of year to harness that optimism and buzz about what the year has to bring. To lay some foundations in your team for what’s to come and to check in with ourselves to make sure we are ready to play to our strengths and pull together when it really counts.
In nature, these short dark days are all about foundations. The tallest trees in the forest are often the ones with the deepest roots. Winter is their time for strengthening these foundation networks. That is why, in between the chaos today, I am taking a little time to appreciate and strengthen what’s already working well in my teams. We have got a great year ahead and it’s going to stretch and challenge us to reach our potential. And I will spend the next few weeks putting the building blocks in place to ensure we are up to the challenge.
What solid foundations are you laying that you can build upon?
The trick to having real leverage is to notice what is already there and build on it rather than trying to start from scratch. Trees strengthen their roots, they don’t start over each year. They shed what’s not needed and focus on what’s working to make it even better. Sometimes the biggest growth comes from deepening what we already have. From pausing to recognise the potential right in front or us or looking back in the mirror.
