K3 Insights

As we all get back to the reality of wearing shoes and spending more time inside than out, don’t forget to apply some of the lessons learnt over the break to the start of 2025.

• Holidays - At some point, you have to say no to what keeps arriving on the table and finally bin the leftovers as they aren’t going to be good for anyone.

• Work – 2024 forced a lot of people to be razor-sharp on what made their businesses work and how they differentiated themselves in the eyes of their customers. As the recovery begins, people will start saying “yes” to more and more things. The risk is that you not only try to do too much as a business, but the things you might be saying yes to could stretch the brand too far and erode value in the eyes of your customers. Stay true to your strategy, focusing on the work that continues to drive your differentiation, and don’t be afraid to say no. Just because you can do the work doesn’t mean you should (like going back for the third helping of pavlova) – it will only take time, money, and people away from what is truly core to your success.

• Holidays – The start of holidays is always bedlam as people try to distance themselves from the daily norms they live by each working week. But then people start to find their roles – someone is hitting the waves with the kids, others are off catching fish for dinner, and there are always those ensuring the afternoon snacks and drinks are out on time. People get into the flow of the break.

• Work – As we get back into the year, we also need to find our roles and, ideally, get into them smoothly and quickly. Is everyone in your team, and/or broader business, clear on where you are heading and what is expected of them? For many, it’s the last quarter of the financial year before it all starts again in April. This is a perfect time to engage the right people in framing up strategically where you are focusing (see the point above) and ensure the planning is robust around who is doing what, that this is well communicated, and the different teams know how they are working with others across the business to get the desired outcomes. Make sure you end the financial year strong and launch into the new year in flow.

• Holidays – How good was it letting the mind wander, clearing the head while staring out at the waves? Falling asleep while reading your book in the afternoon felt so well deserved.

• Work – Knowing that NZ runs on an 11-month year at best, there is the risk we all arrive back at the office and go for it. We are fully recharged after an amazing time away, where most of the country was also offline, meaning inboxes are empty of lots of new stuff. While it’s not realistic to continue having your afternoon naps (during the week at least), as an owner or senior leader, don’t lose sight of the benefits of stepping back from the ‘busy work’ and reflecting on what is going to really help your business be more productive and successful. In addition, make sure you find time to continue switching the mind off with great walks, social catch-ups with family and friends, meditation, and falling asleep each night after a little reading. You, your teams, and the business will benefit from your clear head – especially as 2025 is not going to be, at least initially, all smooth sailing.

Some might say I got too much sun, but hopefully, others will find the above helpful reminders as we pick up where we left off – recharged and ready to make 2025 a successful one.