As Father Christmas stocks up on wrapping paper from Costco, it’s a good moment to pause and reflect on another year flying by. 🎅🎁
2024 has been a rollercoaster.
On the personal front, it’s been fantastic—I got married! On the work front, a mix of highs and challenges. I’ve enjoyed working with some amazing people and businesses, but there were tough times that made me question being self-employed. I believe that’s called “resilience training” in modern parlance. 😂
Through countless conversations with managers, leaders, and business owners over the last 12 months, a few key lessons stood out:
👉 Empathy is Essential: Seeing things from your team’s perspective can transform how you lead. A little empathy goes a long way in building trust. Trust is the bedrock of any great manager-team relationship.
👉 Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small: We get so busy on the work treadmill, we forget to hit the Pause Button and appreciate the achievements. Whether it’s completing a big project or simply getting through a tough week, recognising wins lifts morale and strengthens your culture.
👉 Feedback is a Gift: Constructive criticism isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for growth. Encourage open dialogue with your team, give feedback often, and embrace it yourself. That’s how we all improve.
👉 Invest in Yourself: Take ownership of your career—whether it’s through training, reading, or learning from others, make personal development a priority. Even as a coach, I’m always questioning, learning, and pushing myself. Nobody is the finished article.
Thank you to everyone I’ve worked with this year. I hope you enjoyed these Friday morning posts. This is my last one for 2024.
Have a terrific Xmas and see you again in January 👋
