Will I Lose Face if I Change Course in Q4?

It’s a question many leaders ask themselves: What will people think if I change an objective or shift direction in the last quarter of the year? We spend months setting and pursuing goals, and by the time Q4 rolls around, it can feel like changing course is a sign of failure. But is it really?

The truth is leadership isn’t about rigidly sticking to a plan. It’s about adaptability, purpose, and making decisions that move your team and business forward—even if that means reassessing and adjusting goals late in the game.

Let’s dive into why changing course in Q4 isn’t losing face—it’s smart leadership.

1. Adaptability: It’s a Strength, not a Weakness

Changing course doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’ve gathered new information and are making informed decisions. Sticking to a plan that no longer serves your goals isn’t strength; it’s stubbornness. The best leaders are those that can admit the current direction is no longer the best direction. Things change, so must we.

Tip: If something isn’t working or circumstances have changed, embrace the shift. Ask yourself: What can I do today to realign with the bigger picture?

2. People Respect Leaders Who Adjust

Worried about what your team or clients will think? Here’s the reality: they’ll respect you more for having the courage to pivot when necessary. Strong leaders recognize when a strategy needs to evolve.

Tip: Be transparent. If you’re shifting direction, explain the “why” behind it. Communicating your thought process builds trust and shows that you’re making decisions in the best interest of the team or business.

3. Simplifying Isn’t Quitting

Changing course might mean simplifying your objectives, but that’s not the same as giving up. Sometimes, success comes from focusing on fewer, more impactful goals.

Tip: Review your goals for Q4. What can you drop or adjust to ensure you finish strong on the most important tasks? Simplifying your focus can lead to greater results.

4. It’s Never Too Late to Prioritize Well-Being

In the rush to meet year-end deadlines, we often forget to check in on ourselves and our teams. Changing course could mean shifting focus to the well-being of your people.

Tip: If you notice signs of burnout, consider how adjusting your goals can ease the pressure. Remember, a strong finish doesn’t just mean hitting targets—it means crossing the finish line with your team intact.

5. Reflection: The Key to Making Smart Adjustments

Before making any changes, take a step back and reflect. What have you learned in the first three quarters? What worked and what didn’t? Changing course is less about abandoning goals and more about learning and improving as you go.

Tip: Take some time this week to reflect on what’s been working and where you’ve been hitting roadblocks. Use those insights to guide your next steps.

A Final Thought: It’s About Leading with Purpose

Changing course in Q4 isn’t about losing face—it’s about leading with purpose. It’s about having the courage to say, “This isn’t working, and I’m going to make a change.” Whether it’s adjusting goals, shifting focus, or prioritizing well-being, your ability to pivot shows strength, not weakness.

So, will you lose face if you change direction in Q4? Absolutely not. In fact, you’ll gain respect, trust, and the chance to finish the year stronger than ever.

Wishing you clarity and purpose as we move into Q4.

Best,

Olga

I’m Olga Navarro, Senior Executive Leadership Coach and Consultant with 30+ years of experience helping leaders reach their full potential. I specialize in accelerating onboarding success for new executives by aligning organizational strategy with human capital for greater productivity. If you're looking to bridge the learning gap for your leaders faster, let’sconnect—DM me to learn more.