3 Letters You Should Write In The New Year

By Angela Lane & Sergey Gorbatov

You’re probably thinking about your goals for 2020. It’s that time of year. And with the additional, irresistible appeal of a new decade. Now really is the time to commit to… losing weight… getting fit... practicing mindfulness...

What about your professional growth? Could a thinner, healthier, and even more mindful you also get a boost from being a more productive, high performing, and career-ready you? If your development could do with a New Year resolution, here’s a way to tap into the spirit of the season.  

Write a letter  

Every goal starts with the desire to change.  

Professionally, what should you change? Don't say that you're perfect. All of us could work on any number of things. (Second only to my recent wish-list to Santa, my list of potential areas for professional improvement is lengthy. Ange) Deciding where to focus your effort is probably the biggest favor you can do yourself. Not sure where to start? We recommend a simple variation on the 3 Step FairTalk feedback process, to help fine turn your diagnosis and get yourself off to a great start in the New Year.  

Dear …. (insert name of credible, fair person whose opinion you respect) 

I am looking forward to making 2020 a great year for my professional development. With that in mind, I am asking some of my most respected colleagues for guidance. You know my role (or my company or my industry … insert what makes sense.) What are the one or two skills or behaviors that drive high performance? And why are they important? I’d really appreciate your perspective on what matters.    

And because I’m looking to set a growth goal, I’d appreciate your opinion on where I can do better in this area. Be kind, but honest. Your assessment means a lot. How am I doing?  

Finally, if it isn’t too much trouble, I’d appreciate your opinion on what I should learn that would most help me grow in this area. (If you don’t have time for this last part, that’s ok. With your view on what matters, and where I can improve, I’ll already have great insight!) 

Thanks for helping with my development,   

From (And insert your name here!) 

Before you say “I can’t do that”, consider these upsides. 

• You get to decide who to ask for feedback. So long as you select someone that is truly credible in your eyes, you’ll pay attention to what they have to say. Someone credible isn’t the same as someone who is your biggest fan. But ask yourself … whose opinion means a lot to me? (No, Sergey, you can’t ask your mom. Angela) 
• You will get insight into what matters for performance in your role, company or industry. That’s important. For the conscious, rational you, its direction on where you can focus for maximum impact. For the more subconscious, emotional you, it’s confirming the importance of what you do towards ultimate success. It confirms why your skills and behaviors matter to results. Either way, it’s motivating.  

Cringing at the thought of asking for feedback? We’ve talked often about our own inability to accurately assess ourselves. Just know that without insight from others, you’re likely to overestimate your performance and abilities. Such overestimation may lead to misses and disappointment. So why don’t we typically ask? Because we don’t want to be hurt. Anticipate that... by asking your credible colleague to be both honest and kind.  

Asked in this way, you’ll get suggestions for learning. Unlike feedback, this is future focused. And in the spirit of the season, and with a new year and decade ahead, it's all about possibilities. Unlike a letter to Santa, which lists what you want, this email helps provide what you need. 

Finally, read the template one more time. Anyone capable of sending this email cares about performance, is respectful of others skills and abilities, and is humble enough to know that learning never stops. It is difficult to see how this approach couldn’t be seen in a positive light. So long as the sender is sincere in wanting to improve.  

And then another one 

With great input you are now in a position to set yourself a learning objective. Even better, write it down. Better still? Share it with the person that gave you their insight on your development. Consider this. 

Dear …. (insert name of credible, fair person whose gave you their feedback) 

I want to thank you for taking the time to give me feedback towards my professional development. I appreciate your time and thoughtfulness.  

I also wanted to give you an update. 

I have decided to focus on (insert your development focus here) and have set myself a goal to build my skills in this area in 2020. 

I would appreciate being able to send you a note from time to time, to tell you how I am doing. And any observations or feedback you have during the year would be welcome. You know I value your perspective.  

Thanks again for helping with my development,   

From (And insert your name here!) 

Before you say “I can’t do that”, consider these upsides. 

Firstly, it's good manners to say thank you. You know that. So, why else is this a good idea? Three reasons:

• you have now made something of a commitment to this. You've just helped yourself get a little more accountable. As humans, we subconsciously like wiggle room. But wiggle room stops us achieving our goals. Accountability helps us perform.  
• you have a potential source of ongoing feedback. It will come from a credible source. That source has a vested interest in you doing well. Ongoing feedback will help you stay on track.  
• you have asked for it. More feedback we mean. Our receptivity to being told what to do is typically not so good. We’re much more receptive if we asked for help in the first place. 

And, finally, one more 

Now seal the deal with one final letter. A letter to yourself. 

Dear me, 

This year I decided to do something towards my professional development. At the start of a new year, and the dawn of a new decade, it seemed only right that I took some time to think about achieving my goals. 

This year, I decided to focus on (insert your development focus here) and set myself a goal to build my skills in this area in 2020. 

I was brave. I took a risk. I asked for advice. I shared my commitment to increase my accountability.  

This letter is to congratulate me on a job well done. As I write this, I don’t know the progress I'll make. I only know that it is inevitable. I have given myself the best possible chance, by tapping into proven strategies for success; like getting feedback from a credible source, or goal setting for improved performance or accountability, to better change behavior.   

And even before I began I was already somewhat ahead. I’d taken the time to be intentional and focus on my development.  

So here’s to a brand new year and a brand new decade. May it bring me growth and success.  

From (And insert your name here!) 

Now, whisk out your smartphone and set an alarm to remind yourself to read this letter again on December 31st, 2020. Let this be another opportunity to feel proud of what you will have accomplished in a year's time. Growth is real!

Signing Off 

On behalf of us both, wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling 2020. May it bring you adventure and achievement, failure and resilience, challenge and growth, learning and success.    

This post represents the opinion of its authors. It does not represent the view of any associated employer or academic institution.