December is the Perfect Time for a Positively Focused Year-end Review
As the round of holiday gatherings gears up, it’s the perfect time to gather your team, the entire firm, or your family, for a positive year-end review. Think of it as a new and different kind of “Year-end Closing.” It takes only an hour (or less), and it’s an opportunity for everyone to evaluate the year that’s ending and find its gems and blessings. It’s simple and straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Gather everyone together (preferably with cell phones and pagers turned off, and without alcoholic “enhancements” usually associated with holiday parties). You’ll serve as facilitator for the three rounds and the wrap-up:
Round One: “Thinking back to all that’s happened in 2009, both good and bad, in 2009: what was a High Point for you in your personal life?” (Everyone gets to share their high point, and you can record them on a flipchart page.)
Round Two: “Again thinking back to all that’s happened – good and bad – in 2009, what is a High Point for you in your work life?” Same process as for the first round, with you recording people’s responses.
Round Three: “Now let’s look ahead to 2010, with all its possibilities. I invite you to pick a Daring-but-Doable 2010 Goal for yourself in your personal life, and one in your work life.” Give them a couple of minutes to think about it and to jot down their goals. Ask them to share each type of goal; write their responses on a flipchart page that’s divided down the middle; one column for “Personal” and the other for “Work”.
Wrapping Up: Ask them “How was this review for you? Any A-ha’s? Surprises?” The wrap-up can be the richest part of the experience.
The Bottom Line: I’ve facilitated this kind of review numerous times with financial planning firms. Here’s the ROI for the one-hour investment: (a) individual insights and “daring intentions”; (b) greater team (or family) feeling of connectedness to others; (c) great information that can contribute to performance planning at work and personal goal-setting at home, for the new year; (d) an opportunity to place the year that’s ending into a positive perspective and pave the way for an optimistic start to the new year; and (e) a wonderful segue to the holidays.
Speaking of which: Here’s wishing you a positive and blessed holiday season, and an Appreciative New Year!
Ed Jacobson, Ph.D.
Edward A. Jacobson Associates
Madison, WI
Future of Planning Blog 