This is the time of assessing. Looking at your goals and accomplishments, organizational metrics, performance, etc. It is also a good time to begin to scan the environment internally and externally to expand the picture of your current reality. All of this is in preparation for organizational planning for the new year. Some organizations have already started this process and are well into their budget cycle. They are already planning their team retreats to scope out their goals and objectives for the new year. We can certainly provide that service for you. Click here to learn more about our organizational retreat offer.
Employees are Assessing their Place in the Organization
There is something else that happens while all of this organizational assessment is taking place. Individual employees are taking stock of what they have accomplished, what they want, and scanning the environment for new opportunities. As a leader, they may be coming to you to see what opportunities you and your organization can provide. And be sure, they are looking outside of your organization. This is a tough moment. If they are a good employee with potential, it’s up to you to creatively find ways to keep them learning and developing so you can retain their talent. If not, it may be a difficult conversation and they may find opportunities elsewhere with your blessing. You too may be assessing your own situation.
Gratitude and Appreciation
I invite you to enter into this period with gratitude and appreciation. Not to sugar coat the situation. However, being appreciative of what you do have is a great way to stay out of negative self-talk about yourself, your team members, and your organization, and see all sides of the situation. Entering into these delicate conversations with compassion, good boundaries, and appreciation for what is working, allows you more creativity to see how to shift or change what is not working. If staying is not the best option, it allows you to go out into the world with a positive outlook, taking the learning gained from the uncomfortable situation, and appreciating the new opportunities you find.
Just a reminder – the grass is not always greener on the other side. I have heard too many stories about employees leaving for greener pastures just to return to their home organization with appreciation they never had for the culture, their colleagues, etc. No matter what the situation, use November to assess with a critical lens accompanied by gratitude, appreciation, and compassion. This will allow you to see as much of the current situation as possible. Celebrate the wins. Learn from the challenges. And plan for the new year. If you need support, give us a call.
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