It’s a little (a lot) unbelievable but we’re well into the 4^th quarter of the year and planning for 2024 has been underway for a while now. That being said, plans have not been finalized and there’s still time for reviewing and tweaking. And with another year calling for lots of adaptation under our belts, you can be assured that planning for 2024 will require lots of room or flexibility. So let’s take a look at a few of the ways employers can build a game plan for 2024 that’s sure to lead their team through a year of wins.

Key steps in preparing for a successful 2023

1. Analyze current performance. Before making any tactical plans for the new year, do a thorough investigation of your team’s 2023 performance. What worked and why? What hurdles did they face and are those likely to persist? If so, what can be done to navigate them? This is an opportunity to dig deep and discover the things that have (and have not) worked for your team.
2. Identify team goals. And before you make that list a mile long, be reasonable and honestly write down those goals that are a) the most important, and b) attainable from the present moment. Once you find focus on those two game-changers, a workable plan can be constructed.
3. Then strategize. You have a list of must-haves, now how will you achieve them? And how will performance be measured throughout the process? It’s extremely important for a team to know their goals AND what targets they’re expected to meet along the way. Not doing so will completely undermine any new objectives.
4. Focus on filling the gap. Once there’s a strategy in place, examine it for missing pieces and be sure to address those before going any further. This will really help in the success of the plan.
5. Is recruiting necessary? You want to make sure you have the right team in place so consider whether recruiting is necessary and if not, determine if there is a need to train existing staff in crucial skills. Training is a great way to boost company morale, maintain productivity, and of course save money, so we recommend carefully reviewing this option before posting a job listing.

Using these steps as a template in evaluating the past year and planning for the next can help streamline the action steps for a successful strategy. Being a small business owner these days is a dynamic endeavor and we know that preparation and adaptability is key. It really makes the difference in succeeding, or not. The working world is forever evolving and being able to identify where adjustments are needed is crucial to stay competitive. Here is where an experienced HR team like Eos HR can help. We make sure small businesses are successful in implementing new strategies to ensure success in their goals. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.