Feel like you're dragging your arse to the end of the year? That you have the weight of the world on your back and a to do list that never ends? And you’re tired? Really tired?
Maybe running a team strategy session before the end of the year was on your list, but you were too busy to make it happen. Now, it’s the last thing you feel like doing. Our advice? Don't worry about it now, it’s too late. There are better reasons for doing it in January or early in the new year.
It’s not just you. The whole team is tired, busy, and just trying to get through to the end of the year. You know how it goes, it's too late to start something in November because the break is coming, and then you have to wait until February for everything to be up and running again. Before you know it, you've lost 25% of the year due to the break.
This is the time of year when people can find life difficult. There's a lot on at home, as well as work. They're racing towards deadlines and there's not enough time in the day. Every task seems like a pain in the arse – the one we're all dragging! They collapse over the finish line, exhausted, and then use the downtime to reflect, and maybe start to question whether they might be better somewhere else. Rather than letting them return from holidays with a plan to find another job, give them something to look forward to – an opportunity to provide a new perspective, fresh ideas, and contribute to building an inspiring strategy to buy into. Turn potential resignation into motivation and commitment.
Harness the energy at the start of the year when everyone returns from a break with less on their plate and feeling refreshed. When people have a clearer mind, ideas flow, they're much more creative and open to trying new things. That makes for a better strategy. And what a great way to start the year – with renewed focus, a clear plan, and enthusiastic goals.
To do that, the strategy session needs to be so much more than just another monthly team meeting. Make it clear this is a new look at the business, a blue sky endeavour, with external facilitation to bring fresh thinking. A motivating experience. An external facilitator not only brings a different perspective and motivation, they can ask questions or address issues you may not feel able to, challenge in a safe way, draw out new ideas, and set expectations that don't come from the boss.
By starting the year with a strategy session, you not only start with a leap, you create instant momentum. Unlike a new year fitness resolution that falls away without the structure to succeed, a January plan lasts all year thanks to the goals, actions and accountability you've locked in.
But here's what most firms miss: a brilliant strategy is only as powerful as the culture that executes it. In professional services, you're not selling widgets – you're selling your people. And whether they realise it or not, your people are selling the firm with every client interaction, every email, every conversation.
This is why professional services firms need to work inside out. To build a strong external brand and deliver exceptional client experiences, you need to start on the inside – with your own people. The skills your people develop internally are the ones they use to build strong relationships with clients and produce excellent work. These skills also mean they work better together and create a cohesive, collaborative, effective firm culture.
So what does this mean for your January strategy session? It means thinking beyond the strategy itself to how you'll actually make it happen. That comes down to people – specifically, getting the best out of your team and ensuring they feel supported, aligned, and engaged.
Ours is already booked and the whole team is excited. We can help you with yours, too – whether it's facilitating your start of year strategy session, developing or coaching your leaders, or both. Let's make 2026 the year your team doesn't just plan for success – let’s give them the motivation, culture, connections, and leadership capability to achieve it.
