June is a good month for introspection. Sure, most people make resolutions in January, but then again, most people don’t follow up on those resolutions. After all, there’s a reason why gym memberships spike in January only to fall back to earth in February. No, the most driven professionals do more than just set annual resolutions, projections, and targets at the beginning of the year; they also commit to them. So as we cross the halfway point of the calendar year, now’s the perfect time to reevaluate your business’s goals and review your performance thus far. Here are three ways to handle this practice like a champ:
Don’t Get Carried Away
A negative outlook can be a major detriment to progress in more than just business. That’s why it’s so important not to get carried away if you’re struggling to meet your year-long goals at the halfway juncture. Just because you’re not on pace to eclipse a financial milestone now, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to reach it by December. Alternatively, don’t relax if you find your company in an advantageous position. Taking your foot off the gas now could cause you to come up short later on.
Schedule Productive Performance Reviews
Holding performance-review meetings with employees can be a tricky proposition –– especially if things haven’t been going to plan. It’s important to remember though, how you handle a difficult meeting can make all the difference for an employee’s confidence. Striking an accusatory tone or kicking someone when they’re down won’t help them get back on the right track. In difficult times, the best business owners are able to inspire and restore belief. Even if the numbers don’t look good, resist the urge to vent your spleen during employee reviews. Remember: your employees’ well being is more important than reaching an annual financial goal.
Make Smart Adjustments
Sometimes, success in business is achieved through hard-headed perseverance. However, in other scenarios, the best way forward is to actually take a step back –– or even a step sideways. If you and your team are working hard, but failing to see results for your efforts, it may prove more beneficial to change course than to stick to a strategy that isn’t paying off. Knowing when to go all-in and when to fold at critical moments is often what separates the most successful companies from the chasing pack.
The Bottom Line
Whether your business manufactures PCR tube strips or offers financial consultation, every operation can benefit from regular review and self-examination. Writing down a set of goals and ambitions in January and then ignoring that list until next year won’t help your business grow. The truth is, the most progressive entrepreneurs constantly monitor their own progress, and know how to get themselves –– and their team members –– out of jams when necessary.
