Remember the old curse, “may you live in interesting times”? This year, the only sure bet is more change. If you’ve been pushing for transformation in your org, preparing for 2025 now means you can stay on track, no matter what next year brings.
1. Bolster the rationale for your initiative. When disruption comes, the projects that fail to make a coherent case for their survival will be easy targets.
- Record yourself explaining the project’s “why” and “why now.” Watch it back and note where you stumble or seem unclear.
- Flag any gaps in alignment with the company’s stated priorities—then adjust your narrative or initiative accordingly.
2. Create slack to increase flexibility. You can’t adapt if you’re on (or over) the edge of burnout.
- Audit your team’s calendar and eliminate two recurring meetings that provide minimal value.
- Select one process your team owns (e.g., onboarding, reporting, or approvals). Run a 45-minute session to identify what’s slowing it down and propose fixes.
3. Anticipate problems and plan your response. You can’t predict the future, but you can prepare to respond to it.
- Block an hour with your core team to run a pre-mortem: Imagine your initiative failed—what went wrong? Discuss solutions now.
- Write down three “what if” scenarios (e.g., funding cuts, leadership changes, or accelerated timelines). Brainstorm two countermeasures for each.
4. Strengthen relationships and build alliances. You may have to marshal an organized response to save your transformation—so build support now.
- Send a personalized email or message thanking three colleagues or partners for their specific contributions this year.
- Schedule a 15-minute coffee chat or virtual catch-up with a peer you’ve lost touch with.
5. Protect your own resilience. Don’t let yourself become the most fragile component of your own transformation plans.
- Block two uninterrupted half-days in January for personal reflection and strategy work. Treat them as immovable commitments.
- Find one learning opportunity—such as a webinar, podcast, or book chapter—that will deepen your skills or perspective for 2025.
Don’t have time to do all of these? Remember, preparing for 2025 isn’t “all or nothing”—doing even one thing will put you in a better position for the year ahead.
