A new year is upon us, and with it comes a blank slate awaiting creativity and endless possibilities for your office. So to start 2014 off right, try these five things to do this month!
New Year, New You
From ancient times to modern civilization, the practice of setting resolutions or goals for the new year has been engrained in our society. And even though the average success rate for each participant is bleak, the importance isn’t just in accomplishing resolutions, but in realizing why the goals are set in the first place – to better one’s self. So regardless of how last year’s resolutions turned out, this is a brand new year and a chance for a newer, better you. Pick out five pitfalls you struggle with as a leader, and then make a goal for each shortcoming so you can become the person you and your company need you to be to have a successful 2014.
Make a Difference through Mentorship
January is National Mentoring month in the U.S., and its proximity to the start of 2014 opens up a great opportunity for your office. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, 70% of CEOs believe they don’t have the talent they need to maintain a competitive advantage in their markets. One way to flip that statistic is investing in the talent you do have. By spending time with your staff, you promote encouragement and wisdom to help them be more successful. Whether it’s you or your managers, scheduling weekly meetings with staff can help develop your employees into the top talent you need.
Make Saving Lives Your Resolution
This month is also the National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, which is another resolution opportunity. By electing to donate your blood, you are volunteering to be part of something bigger than yourself. And since many companies have the ability to hold blood drives at the office, it’s also an opportunity to let your staff in on this New Year’s resolution. According to the American Red Cross, one pint of blood can save up to three lives! If you are able, make it a goal to donate every six weeks. Make saving lives your resolution for 2014.
Write for Retention
Turnover costs companies time and money, so the ability to retain your top talent will be the difference in your success. The second week of January is Letter Writing Week, and what better way to retain your staff than to show your appreciation for their hard work in 2013. Use this opportunity to write a handwritten note to each employee expressing your gratitude and encouraging them to remain steadfast in the coming year. Like Teddy Roosevelt said, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
MLK Day – Jan. 20
Though Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was officially signed into law as a national holiday by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, the year 2000 marked the first time when all 50 states observed the federal holiday. However, Dr. King’s legacy isn’t in the holiday bearing his name, it’s in his lasting beliefs of equality and progressivism. Today’s business environment has been directly affected by his efforts as we continue to strive for race, gender, and age equality in the workplace. Whether your office is open or closed on MLK day, use it as an opportunity to discuss dreams you have to make your office environment more caring and socially responsible.
What do you like to do in January? Do you have specific plans for your office this month? Let us know in the comments section below!
Just to put things in perspective, I am a Senior English-Religion double major at LaGrange College. I am also the Senior RA of a dorm. So one goal is to centralize my vision for the future. And I have so many! Since January is almost over, I will state my February goal: to effectively finish this semester as a thought leader on campus, one that continues to spark and inspire friends to act, serve, and make changes.
Thanks for these insights.