It’s the mantra I’m holding onto for 2018: Don’t let up. I’m telling it to myself and I’ve told my team, starting with this week’s 2018 kick-off meeting.
In the past, I’ve taken more of a “start a rumor, make it true” approach to kicking off the year. In late-2015, for instance, while riding a building wave into 2016, I made – and we exceeded – some exciting growth goals for the entire year. But we took that wave for granted and I allowed us to start 2017 without a master plan behind our lofty pronouncements.
That lack of a plan diluted our focus and fed complacency. It led us away from our mission, our values, and our growth. It wasn’t enough that we’re a group of people who really like, respect, and have fun with each other. In 2017, I failed to notice at the start of the year that there was no substance behind our goals, only inertia. My failure to inspire my team to implement well-planned, kick-off goals to help us stay atop the wave led to a flat year.
Fortunately, we still all like each other and, to my knowledge so far, we still all believe in the company’s purpose. So, in 2018, with clear processes, goals, and good path in sight, the most important factor in staying on track is for me not to let up. I simply must hold myself, and my team, accountable. And as I told them in this week’s 2018 kick-off meeting, I also expect them to hold me accountable. “Don’t let me fail you!” I said.
To my staff, I will repeat what I said at our all-hands:
I’m not expecting team members to suddenly go and do anything drastic and changeful in the next few days. But I have to say that I’d welcome it if you did.
Go ahead, surprise me, people! Tell me what you thought of our meeting; tell me what you think of our company. And just as I told you in that meeting, as much as I value and care for each of you, if you’re not behind the mission of this company, then you’re holding us back and holding yourself back. If that sounds like you, then please consider taking advantage of a hot job market and bidding farewell. We would miss you, but we’ll have your back; we’ll respect and honor your decision, and we’ll usher you to the success you can achieve, either here or elsewhere.
One of the hardest parts of a company turnaround is balancing what’s right for the future of the company with what’s right for the people who are its lifeblood. I value each and every one of the people who make this company what it is. I want you each to succeed, not just for the sake of the company, but for yourselves. But I’m not naïve. This company might be one step in a long career for many of you, especially in this ridiculously healthy job market.
I’m here for you. I may be the CEO and have a good deal more experience than some of my staff or managers, but I always want to continue learning.
So, if anyone has a different perspective or a fresh approach to share, please… Barge into my office and lay it on me.
This is the #YearofLivingChangefully. Let’s go.
