Prepare Now

As you think about the remaining weeks of 2023, how could you spend them to produce maximum benefit to you and your clients? One thought is to invest yourself now into making 2024 a great year. You may want to consider what your best colleagues do.

For the year

First, before you do anything, schedule your time off and time away. Whenever you try to shoehorn your time off after your schedule is full, you shortchange yourself every time. You and your family will once again have to settle for the dregs of a day or two here and there. The goal is NOT to simply take the days off. The goal is to use them to refresh and replenish your energy so you can return to enjoying your work, your clients and your career. DO THIS FIRST.

Next, set progress goals for year-end 2024. You already have achievement goals, where the targets are clear and defined. You know the finish line for those goals. However, progress goals are less defined and are meant to give you direction for your career. Progress goals inform the CPE, assignments and coaching you will need to accelerate your development. Track your progress throughout the year with your coach or mentor.

For the season

While these are important for the longer term, you will benefit by paying attention to the seasons you have in the year. Here are some considerations that you can prepare for now.

Delegation: who in your firm should you introduce to certain clients as the primary contact? How could you prepare those persons so they understand the client’s tendencies and needs? Encourage these new contacts be in touch with clients to establish working relationships now.

Scheduling: if you put the large rocks in the container first, the smaller ones will fit around them. Which large clients have you inserted into the calendar? How will you communicate with those clients of the necessity to adhere to their specific schedule? What follow ups do you have in place? (Hint: use your new primary contacts.)

Staff Training: how can you equip your staff with the knowledge and skills they need to function in their assignments? Schedule training segments in December and January. Delegate some of the training to others. Team-train with someone your junior who would be capable of stepping up the next time.

In preparing for a great 2024, you won’t do anything more valuable these remaining weeks than these proven suggestions, as there are what your best colleagues do.