The groundwork is done, your strategy is set—now it’s time to make it happen. January is the perfect time to turn plans into action and build the momentum needed for a successful year ahead. But after spending December refining your strategy, it’s easy to feel stuck when it’s time to deliver results. Here’s how you can hit the ground running and start the year on the right foot.
1. Prioritize Quick Wins to Build Momentum
Not everything needs to roll out at once. Start the year with a few high-impact, easy-to-implement actions that show real progress. Quick wins energize your team, build credibility, and create excitement for what’s to come.
- Ideas to kick things off:
- Launch a campaign that highlights the company’s goals for the year.
- Share a short, motivational video from leadership thanking employees and outlining the vision for the year.
- Start a small initiative, like a new feedback Slack channel or an updated intranet homepage.
These early wins will help you build trust and enthusiasm for your broader strategy.
2. Align with Leadership for Consistent Messaging
January is when employees look to leadership for direction. Make sure leadership is aligned with your IC goals and ready to amplify them. Schedule a leadership workshop or briefing to ensure they’re on the same page and can communicate the company’s vision clearly.
- Why it matters:
Employees are 55% more engaged when leaders communicate clearly. A strong alignment between IC and leadership boosts trust and drives results. - Actionable tip:
Create easy-to-use materials like talking points, slide decks, or email templates for leaders to use during team meetings. This keeps messaging consistent and reinforces organizational priorities.
3. Revisit Your Tools and Channels
Your communication tools and platforms are the backbone of your strategy. Before rolling out initiatives, ensure everything is optimized and ready to support your goals.
- Quick check-in:
- Is your intranet functioning smoothly?
- Are the tools you're using still effective?
- Can you consolidate tools to reduce redundancy?
Example:
If you’re using multiple collaboration tools, consider streamlining to just one and train employees on how to use it more effectively. A small change like this can improve overall engagement and reduce confusion.
4. Reinforce Employee Alignment with Creative Campaigns
January is the ideal time to remind employees of the company’s mission, vision, and goals. Launching a creative IC campaign will reignite passion and align employees with the company’s objectives.
- Campaign Ideas:
- Share an interactive infographic outlining key business goals and how each employee contributes.
- Start a “Kickstart the Year” digital newsletter featuring leadership messages, success stories, and employee spotlights.
Pro tip:
Make your communications visually engaging and easy to digest—research shows messages with visuals are 43% more effective in driving understanding and engagement.
5. Schedule Checkpoints for Accountability
To keep the momentum going, set up regular checkpoints to track progress. Establishing milestones now ensures your strategy stays on track throughout the year.
- Key actions:
- Set up quarterly reviews to evaluate progress toward your goals.
- Use employee pulse surveys to gather feedback on your initiatives and adjust accordingly.
- Share regular progress updates with leadership to maintain alignment and accountability.
Example:
If your goal is to boost intranet engagement by 20%, set monthly targets and check in with analytics. This will help keep your team focused and allow you to adjust campaigns if necessary.
Conclusion: Start Strong, Stay Strong
January isn’t just about kicking off the new year—it’s your chance to set the tone for success. By prioritizing quick wins, aligning with leadership, optimizing your tools, and reinforcing employee alignment, you’ll turn strategy into action and build lasting momentum. Keep your goals clear, track progress, and adapt as needed to ensure that 2024 is your best year yet.
