26 Nov Strategy for 2025: Wrapping Up and Starting Strong

As December peeks over the old and curling 2024 calendar hanging on our walls, many of us are eager to tie up loose ends before embracing South Africa’s beloved holiday traditions. For those not in retail, December marks a time to close out the year’s tasks, while stakeholders and colleagues begin to check out—slapping steaks on the braai and ignoring calls. Even if you plan to work through the month, the echo chamber of out-of-office replies can make progress feel futile.

However, with some strategic planning now, you can set yourself up for success in 2025. Here are seven (plus one bonus) steps to help you close out the year on a high note and hit the ground running in January.

1. Start Strong with a 2025 Project

Don’t wait until January to kick off next year’s key initiatives. Use December to define the mandate, clarify team composition, and outline goals for a high-priority 2025 project. Schedule 2025 meetings now and add a detailed note in your diary to remind yourself of the objectives. This early preparation ensures momentum isn’t lost during the holiday lull.

2. Tie Up Loose Ends in 2024

Unfinished projects can easily become a soggy mess you will dread revisiting in the new year. Be intentional about wrapping things up by clearly documenting the current state, unresolved issues, and next steps. This simple act of organisation will save time and energy when it’s time to pick things back up in January.

3. Secure Operations Over the Holidays

For teams handling ongoing operations, December can expose gaps in resourcing plans. Double-check that those critical roles, like help desks or client services, are adequately covered during the holiday period. A quick confirmation with HR or your operations team could prevent operational hiccups and avoid unwelcome surprises in January.

4. Reconnect with Clients

December is the perfect time to express gratitude to key clients and stakeholders. Sending thoughtful thank-you notes that acknowledge specific successes can strengthen relationships and set a positive tone for 2025. These small gestures of appreciation often leave a lasting impression.

5. Audit and Reflect on 2024 Performance

The quieter December weeks are ideal for taking stock of what worked well—and what didn’t—in 2024. Conduct a quick audit to assess team performance, project outcomes, and organisational achievements. Summarising lessons learned in a short document can provide valuable insights for planning and alignment in the new year.

6. Set Expectations for 2025

Before breaking for the holidays, take a moment to communicate high-level priorities for 2025 with your team. A simple year-end message highlighting successes, challenges, and aspirations for the coming year can inspire and align everyone. This forward-looking approach creates clarity and motivation before the break.

7. Make Time for Personal Reflection

As a leader, December is an opportunity to reflect on your own growth over the past year. What lessons have you learned, and how have you evolved? Write down three leadership habits you’d like to cultivate in 2025 and commit to revisiting them regularly. This personal clarity can energise your leadership journey for the year ahead.

8. Start the year with a Workshop from WorldsView Academy

Why not schedule a Teams that Talk session for the new year? Or even better, take our strategy safari to start the year with focus. Explore our programs on www.wordlsviewacademy.com and let us help you to a successful 2025.

Closing Out the Year with Gratitude

Whatever your plans for December, may your holidays be restful and nourishing. To our retail colleagues: may all your carefully laid plans bear fruit during the busy season.

To our customers and partners, thank you for trusting WorldsView Academy in 2024. We are privileged to support you in developing strategies, redesigning organisations, and growing leaders and teams.

As we wrap up the year, we invite you to our final Conversation Café of 2024 on 4 December: “The Management of Fear: Does Fear Have a Place at Work?” Join us for this thought-provoking conversation by registering here. Let’s continue the conversation into 2025.