Resolutions, goals, intentions, missions—whatever you call yours, the new year is in full swing and it’s the perfect time to look back at where you’ve been and set a path and plan for where you’re going.

As a manager it is your responsibility to set goals for yourself and for your team, and what better time to focus on what you want to achieve than the beginning of a new year. Here are a three things you can do to take charge and take action in 2019 to ensure your team is strong and your success is optimal…

1. Look Back- You can’t go forward without looking back. The best thing about a new year is that it gives you the chance to reflect. As you make goals in your personal life and assess what went right as well as what you can improve on, the same should hold true for your work life.

Take the time to reflect on where you are and where you want to be. As a manager this task is important because as you assess the team you can also take inventory of the strengths and weaknesses within your team and work towards what can make your team stronger.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself at the beginning of January.

• What went well last year? Why?
• What didn’t go so well last year? Why?
• How did we perform against our metrics?
• How did each team member do?
• How well did you recognize employees for a job well done?
• What do you wish you had done differently?  

Although the past is gone the beginning of the year is a great time to celebrate your successes as well as to learn from your of struggles.

2. Set Your Goals- Effective management begins with setting goals that you want to achieve and putting things in place in order to achieve them. Once you’ve taken the time to look back, it’s time to look forward and make a plan. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start fresh and set goals for the upcoming 12 months. Be strategic and specific about how each person on your team fits into the goal of the entire team.

3. Start on the right foot – Once your goals are set, it’s time to plan a kick-off meeting. At this meeting you’ll introduce the plan to your team but you’ll also ask for their feedback and input. It’s also incredibly important that everyone is on the same page working towards the same goals as you move forward.

Your kick-off meeting should also include your impressions from the previous year and any positive or negative feedback. In addition, it’s important to revisit your vision and goals as a organization and make sure that everything you’re doing as a team is aligned.

Take advantage of the fresh new mindset your team might have at the beginning of the year and use that in your favor. A new year is a new beginning. What additional tips do you have for managers? Comment below.