What Every Manager Must Do Before the Clock Strikes 2025
As the year winds down and a new one peeks around the corner, there’s always that lingering thought: "Have I done enough?" As a manager who has been privileged to oversee diverse teams and lead in dynamic environments, I’ve realised that the end of the year isn’t just a calendar shift; it’s a pivotal moment to reflect, recalibrate, and prepare for what lies ahead.
Here are some crucial actions every manager must prioritise as the new year approaches:
1. Take Stock of Wins and Lessons
It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily operations, but taking a moment to pause and reflect on the year’s journey is very important. When I was managing a school on my last job, I made it a habit to gather my team at the end of the year to recount victories—both big and small. Whether it was successfully introducing a performance management system or seeing enrollment numbers climb, every win mattered. Equally important were the lessons from the challenges we faced. These reflections helped us go into the new year with clarity and a sense of purpose.
2. Reconnect with Your Team
The end of the year is an excellent time to strengthen relationships with your team. You management should not be only about tasks and deliverables; it’s about people. Take time to check in with them. How are they doing professionally and personally? Are there growth opportunities they need? During my time at Pezu Smith Consulting, I’ve found that genuine conversations with staff of the companies and schools we consult for often uncover insights that reports and meetings can’t. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
3. Streamline Processes
I’m a firm believer in leaving inefficiencies behind. As I worked with schools in Lagos and other cities, I discovered how small tweaks in daily operations could significantly impact outcomes. For example, revamping admission processes and optimising transportation routes saved time and improved customer satisfaction in some of my client organisations. Take a critical look at your systems—what can you simplify, automate, or eliminate entirely? This will free up energy for innovation in the new year.
4. Invest in Personal Growth
Leaders often pour so much into others that they forget to refill their own cups. I made this mistake early in my career and learned the hard way that you can’t lead effectively from a place of burnout. You could sign up for a course, read a book, or engag with a mentor; whatever you, rememeber that prioritising your personal development is not a luxury. It’s actually a necessity. I’m making 2025 my year of intentional growth, and I encourage you to do the same. It mean I'll be investing heavily in my personal and professional development.
5. Plan for the Unexpected
If the past few years (since the pandemic) have taught us anything, it’s that uncertainty is the only certainty. While we can’t predict the future, we can prepare for it. Build contingency plans, set aside resources for emergencies, and develop flexible strategies. At my last job, one of our key successes was anticipating challenges and staying ready to pivot. It wasn’t always perfect, but it kept us ahead in turbulent times.
What’s Next for You?
As you gear up for 2025, remember that great management is about blending strategy with empathy, efficiency with care, and ambition with wisdom. These actions have worked for me, and I believe they’ll work for you too.
If you’re looking to deepen your managerial skills, I’ve got just the resource for you. My new book, The Manager’s Companion, is packed with practical insights to help you thrive in your role. You can grab your ebook copy here on Selar.
Feel free to email me at pezusmithconsulting@gmail.com or reach out via WhatsApp at +234-8035880367. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what other things do you think managers should tidy up before 2025? Let’s start a conversation and build a stronger community of leaders.
Remember, the best time to prepare for tomorrow is today. Let’s finish the year strong!
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