How's your end of year looking?

Almost year end, some of us will be really happy about that and some will go into a small panic. Which are you? How are your goals shaping up? How is the bottom-line looking? As the leaders of our teams we need to get things in order and get set for the new year.

With a month left to close out the year, perhaps its time to move through a quick check-list to ensure your in good shape for the new year.


Close out any final deals.
Ensure all collectibles are sent to customers early.
Invoices are all cleared.
Tax on incomings and outgoings are noted and actioned.
Personnel matters are in line, leave liabilities, final year performance interviews.

Be sure to check your forecast for Q1, do you have sufficient:

cash-flow
skilled and unskilled labour
forward orders.

With some planning now, leaders can be sure to finish off the year in fine style and you'll know your team is ready to hit the ground running as the new year kicks off.

Make Your Team Feel Secure

We have talked about keeping your team in loop and keeping them up-to-date with what's going on and giving them feedback on their performance. Have you stopped and considered their security?

Security means different things to different people, do you have an answer for the security of your team? Do you know what makes them feel insecure? Perhaps it's time for some subtle questioning here and there to determine the answer to these two questions.

Next time you talk with your team as a whole it is appropriate for you to touch on the subject of security. Is their job secure? Do we have enough on-going work to ensure they are not about to be let go. Do we have enough cash flow to ensure everyone's pay is guaranteed to be in the bank next week. As individuals are they each doing their job to a good standard so there is no pressure to replace them.

For our high performers do they know we have the confidence in their abilities, skills and knowledge that we will allow them to take on special roles which may or may not fail and they can be secure knowing their position is secure.

As leaders of our teams it is vitally important that we make each and every member of our team as secure as we can, because without this worry they can focus on being the best they can.