Navigating the New Year as an Inclusive Leader

As we step into this first full work week of the year, there is a lot of excitement and momentum for people to fulfill their resolutions (or themes or intentions) and set out 2024 goals. It's no secret this momentum can die off quickly, most commonly within 4-8 weeks, which is when regular gymgoers breathe a sigh of relief. However, the start of Q1 is also where I have found the most success in creating new habits and processes within teams. As a leader at work, this means you should act quickly to motivate your team and set goals. Keep reading for my best tips on how to navigate the new year as an inclusive leader and set your team up for success.

Reflect on the Past Year:

Set aside time at an upcoming team meeting or send a larger communication to reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year. Address what worked well, and what could be improved. Understanding the lessons from the past provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making on new improvements to make in the new year. This also presents an opportunity to recognize the team and share excitement for what you as a team can accomplish this year.

Learn About Your Team's Goals:

I am a fan of setting intentions every year to relieve pressure from not accomplishing any resolution. I would highly recommend any leader ask and learn about your team's desired goals, intentions, resolutions, or themes for 2024 as they are comfortable sharing. If they are willing to share what those are, intentionally support those resolutions as much as you can. This can include investing in their professional development to providing flexible work options. For example, if someone's goal is to coach their child's soccer team, offer flexibility around game days. If another member of your team shares they'd like to grow in their executive presence, see if there's any budget to hire a leadership coach and/or find a mentor for them who possesses some of the skills they lack.

Set the Tone as a Leader

Set clear goals and objectives to your team to accomplish by each quarter. This will make goals more attainable and keep them top of mind as three months approaches a lot quicker than twelve months. Setting them by quarter will also allow you to have check-ins with your team and identify any gaps or needed performance adjustments.

Prioritize Employee Well-being:

Recognize the importance of your team's well-being and create a place where employees feel safe to share if they are struggling or facing personal issues. A healthy, motivated team is key to keeping good morale and achieving goals. Consider implementing wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and mental health initiatives to support your team.

Encourage a Growth Mindset:

Cultivate a growth mindset within your team by encouraging resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failures. This can look like embracing AI tools to help with emails, meeting notes, and more. Stay open to using new technology and keeping up with external market trends.

Lead with Empathy:

Finally, and I can not say this enough, lead with empathy. Understand the challenges your team members face, both professionally and personally. Show genuine concern for them as humans, not just employees, and recognize and celebrate their achievements. Celebrating an accomplishment can be as large as completing a degree program to as small as them finishing a project. A compassionate and inclusive leader builds strong, motivated, and loyal teams - Remember, people don't leave companies, they leave managers.

If you need support finding setting your plan for your team this year, contact our team at Aligned at Work ? to facilitate trainings, workshops, leadership coaching sessions, and more.

Laurie D Battaglia, CEO, Aligned at Work

Laurie Battaglia and the team at Aligned at Work ? work with leaders to create workplaces of the future. They bring great leadership together with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and meet rapidly changing needs to today’s and tomorrow’s workforce. Aligned at Work ? specializes in Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Belonging Consulting and Training, Aligning Leadership Teams, Strategy Retreats, Aligned Leader? Training, Executive Coaching, Team Coaching, and Career Coaching.

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