Trending
I’m not sure how your post-Thanksgiving weekend went, but if it’s anything like mine, it probably involved gearing up for the next holiday. In my family, we celebrate Christmas, and the transition from turkey to tinsel happens fast.
It starts with hauling decorations out of storage and inevitably realizing that something needs replacing—thankfully, stores are stocked. Then comes the crowning task: setting up the Christmas tree.
This year, there was a moment when Kim, my partner, called me over to assess the tree’s progress. “What do you think?” she asked. “Where am I off? Does something look imbalanced?”
Her question struck me because it parallels something we all face in business. It’s easy to get immersed in the details, but sometimes, you need a fresh perspective to see what’s missing—or misaligned.
The Business “Tree”
Much like decorating a tree, running a business involves balancing different pieces to create a unified whole. You have a vision for where you want to be, but achieving it requires more than just effort; it requires strategy, alignment, and perspective.
We know the future will look drastically different from today. Businesses that adopt the right strategies will outpace their competitors. Some will lead as innovators, others will follow closely behind, and some will fall behind entirely.
The question becomes: How do you position your business to thrive in the midst of rapid change, especially with transformative forces like AI reshaping entire industries?
Finding Balance and Perspective
Just as Kim asked me to come in and assess the tree, business leaders need trusted partners and advisors to offer an outside perspective. These collaborators help ensure everything fits together in a balanced, purposeful way.
- Understand the Future: We know AI will be a game-changer. But what does that look like for your business? Where do you need to prepare?
- Plan Your Next Steps: Once you’ve identified gaps or areas for improvement, it’s time to plot your path. Write down the steps you need to take, working through them sequentially and break them down into manageable parts. Review your current resources - people, technology, budget and time. Are they all aligned to meet the path you’ve created?
- Bring the Team Along: Success isn’t just about what the CEO envisions; it’s about engaging the entire team. A cohesive plan involves input and buy-in from everyone. Make sure that part of your plan includes internal communication, feedback and discussion to get the most momentum possible.
The Importance of Clarity
As the year draws to a close, there’s no better time to pause, assess, and plan. A clear strategy, much like a well-decorated tree, can be the centerpiece that sets the tone for the year ahead.
Personally, I enjoy helping businesses achieve this clarity. It’s something I prioritize for my own companies and something I’ve been fortunate to do for firms across the industry.
Let’s Tackle 2025 Together
If you’re ready to take a fresh look at your business “tree,” I’d love to help. I have a limited number of engagements available in January, February, and March to work with you on getting clear, building a plan, and setting the stage for success in the year ahead.
Related: Rethinking Fridays: A Fresh Perspective for Black Friday