We are on the brink of moving into 2016. It is that time of the year where we tend to look back and evaluate how we did in during the year. Many organizations will have their annual performance review meetings and you will set goals for the new year.
Some thoughts for your review and planning:
We’re quite used to the term “feedback”, yet feedback might have a negative connotation to it; it is about the past. However, the past is the past and what happened has happened. Unless we invent a time machine, we can not undo or change what has happened.
Try feedforward in your review meeting: feedforward is about the future. When you have your review meeting, ask for two suggestions that might help you to improve on specific areas. Now your review meeting is not only about the past, but it will give you a jumpstart into the future.
The next step is about that future, about planning. You will need to set your goals for 2016. Remember: there is a difference between New Years resolutions and goals! It’s like the difference between dreaming about goals and setting goals.
In this article, Marshall Goldsmith highlights what successful people do different when it comes to goal setting and following through. It comes down to three areas, connected to Ownership, Time, and Difficulty. Successful people are committed to their goals; they are time sensitive and review their goals frequently. They work hard to achieve their goals.
Do not limit yourself by setting just business goals. To thrive in 2016, you need to think about yourself as well. My 2016 goals will be in three categories: business, personal life and self development.
The next step is to execute on your goals and to stay on track in the new year. Getting Things Done (GTD) by David Allen is the methodology I use to stay on track with all my goals and tasks. Have a look into this video for a quick introduction into GTD. It is a powerful 15 min documentary showing David Allen coaching a Dutch TV host (in English) on the GTD methodology.
Good luck with your review and planning and do let me know how feedforward worked out for you!