I have a question: What is the engine that drives your business forward?

1. Sales
2. Marketing
3. Employees

If you picked C., then ding ding ding! Give yourself a prize.

Recognizing the power of your team

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve learned that no matter how innovative our strategies or strong our goals, it’s the team who ultimately gets things done. And while I once thought I had to do it all myself (sound familiar?), I quickly discovered that delegating and trusting my team led to faster growth and a healthier business.

As you look at wrapping up this year and getting ready for the next, think about your team’s role in driving your business forward. They’re more than the people who fill specific roles—they’re the ones who make it possible for you to step back, breathe, and tackle new challenges.

Spotting the needs of your team

Years ago, I went through a stage where I felt like I was putting out fire after fire. I realized that it wasn’t just about processes that needed fixing, but about how my team was set up to handle those processes. So, I focused on finding the gaps—the places where my team needed more clarity or a bit of a push.

This end-of-year period is the perfect time to identify any weaknesses in your team’s structure and performance. Maybe you’ve had some turnover, or you’re working with team members who have the potential but may need more guidance. Identifying these gaps isn’t just about finding problems—it’s about uncovering potential solutions that will help you achieve your goals in 2025.

From giving orders to giving support

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that effective leadership isn’t about giving orders. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels empowered. This means setting up clear structures and responsibilities but also encouraging accountability and ownership.

When I started letting my team own their roles, everything changed. Instead of waiting for instructions, they began proactively finding solutions and contributing in ways I hadn’t expected. It’s not about being hands-off, but about giving your team the clarity and resources they need to move forward confidently. This kind of support doesn’t just get things done—it builds long-term resilience that will help your business adapt to whatever the new year brings.

How to strengthen your team

As you prepare for 2025, here are some steps to help set your team up for success:

1. Assess strengths and weaknesses
   Take a good, honest look at where your team is thriving and where they might need improvement. Are roles clearly defined? Are team members operating in areas where they’re most valuable? I’ve found that when people play to their strengths, productivity and satisfaction skyrocket. This kind of assessment will help you understand if people are in the right roles and identify where you might need to make adjustments.

2. Define training needs and structure
   Once you’ve pinpointed any gaps, prioritize targeted training or restructuring to support your team’s growth. Upskilling isn’t just beneficial for morale; it gives your business a competitive edge by allowing your team to adapt quickly to new challenges. Early in my business, I underestimated the value of training, but investing in people’s growth paid off massively in the long run.

3. Clarify roles and accountability
   Role clarity is a game-changer. When everyone knows exactly what they’re responsible for, confusion disappears, and efficiency increases. Clarify each team member’s role and how their contributions impact the bigger picture. Building accountability into each role strengthens your team and encourages each member to own their work and performance.

Starting the year on a strong foundation

Shore up your team’s foundation now to prepare your business for a smoother start in 2025. When January arrives, you won’t have to scramble to fix gaps but instead have a solid, cohesive team ready to tackle your big, audacious goals.

Some final thoughts

As we head toward the end of the year, take time to prepare your team for what’s next. They’re not just employees, they’re partners in your business journey, the ones who’ll be right there with you, putting in the work and sharing in the wins. A little reflection, some honest assessment, and a few key adjustments can make a massive difference.

Here’s to wrapping up the year strong and setting up your team to make 2025 your best year yet!

– Mike

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