01.06.23 | FEATURED ARTICLE | CAREER

New Year. New Goals. New Approach. 

It may be hard to believe, but the end of the year is upon us and 2023 is right around the corner. As we busy ourselves with holiday preparations, family gatherings, and year-end work deadlines and obligations, we should also take the time to step back and reflect; to recognize what this year has brought us and determine where we want to go next.

For many of us, such reflection takes the form of resolutions, those mainstays of January 1st that are meant to guide us in the year ahead. Typically, the objectives that we set for ourselves are quite broad. When it comes to work, we might aim to receive a promotion, earn a bonus, or make a career change. In our personal lives, we might set goals to save more money, spend more time with family, or start up a new sport or hobby and the ever popular, lose a few pounds. These are wonderful aspirations to have, and for some people, they work quite well as a framework for personal and professional development. However, New Year’s resolutions are also notorious for being fleeting and – in many instances – lack of successful results. The changes we want to make seem sweeping, intimidating, and utterly overwhelming. They seem unattainable.

What if in 2023, you chose to be deliberate. To look at goals and achievement in a different way and to shift your mindset from the big and the broad, and focus on small, manageable changes that truly hone in on what is personally valued by you.

Easier said than done, right? Imagine that one of your resolutions is to attain better results at work. This, in itself, is not a bad goal to have; however, it lacks both precision and nuance. Where do you start to make that happen? That answer will look different for everyone, but it helps to begin with looking at “better results” more holistically. In the majority of today’s workplaces, better results do not come from a single individual; they come from a collective team. Of course, you cannot be held responsible for the actions of your entire team. However, you can take actions yourself to foster a successful environment.

In a previous article, we broke down the Five Behaviors model, which numerous teams have utilized to strengthen their teamwork and improve performance. Below, we expand upon these behaviors to show how you can implement these in your daily work life, inspiring others to do the same and making “better” happen.

• Conflict: Reframe your mindset to remove the negative connotations of this word – conflict is crucial to progress and is the cornerstone of innovation. Make it clear that you welcome constructive criticism and don’t be afraid to respectfully offer it to others when discussing ideas.
  
• Trust: As the bedrock of the Five Behaviors model, trust is integral. It also requires you to break the norm. In a world where excessive competition is often celebrated, curate transparency by being vulnerable. This can be as simple as asking for help from your coworkers when you need it, or being honest with them when you are having a rough day. If you are open about these things, they will feel safe to do the same, building a dynamic that values trust and empathy above all else.
  
• Commitment: Commitment is easier when you feel heard. Have the confidence in yourself to stick to your decisions, knowing that your team has engaged in healthy debate and everyone has voiced their opinion. Express confidence in the team’s work and your teammates will feel empowered to commit 100% as well.
  
• Accountability: Act as a role model when it comes to executing a project. If you have noticed that you sometimes fall short on your responsibilities, resolve to be as dedicated as possible to your efforts. Similarly, know that you can – and should – hold your fellow employees accountable. This transparency comes from the first Behavior, trust.
  
• Results: With trust, conflict, commitment, and accountability, results will follow. Andthere you have it – you have achieved your goal, albeit in a perhaps unconventional way. Whether this work begets a promotion, or a raise, or another result you desire, is out of your hands at this point. However, you will know that you have done everything possible to drive yourself – and your team – toward success.

Stone Soup is here to support you in elevating your performance every step of the way – and not just in the New Year. For more information on the Five Behaviors and our other professional development resources, please visit our website and start your journey with us today.