5 Year End Questions Every Manager Should Be Asking About Their People; Their Organizations and Themselves

As we near the end of the year (and more importantly, as we get closer to kicking-off a new one), it is important to reflect on what we’ve done over this past year.  Here are some questions for you to ponder on this holiday season.

Organizational Questions

1. What goals did my organization accomplish this past year? And how did we get there?
2. What goals did we not accomplish? And what were the obstacles preventing us from getting there?
3. Are there any goals not achieved which should be carried over into next year? What will we do differently?
4. How did I do against my budget? Where did I fall short, and where did I overachieve?  Why?
5. Was my organization aligned to best meet the vision and goals we had set-up? Do I still have the right organizational model?

People Questions

1. Who were the top performers? And why were they so successful? Did we recognize their efforts throughout the year?
2. How would I characterize team morale from beginning of year to now?  Is there anything we should have done differently?
3. Did people in my organization develop and grow this past year?  What skills or opportunities did they get?
4. Why do people like to work for this company, organization, and me?  Why do they think about leaving?
5. Do I have the right people (i.e. skills, drive, passion) to grow to the next level?  If not, how do I resolve that?

Self-Development Questions

1. What did I accomplish this year? And how did I do that?
2. What did I not accomplish this past year and why?  Do I want to make these goals for next year?
3. Was I clear in my priorities and objectives this past year and how often did I change direction?
4. What could I have done better as a manager?
5. Did I develop and grow myself personally?  In what ways?

Taking the time to think about the past will not only better open your eyes to your successes & shortcomings, but it will also serve as a good guide as you think about the upcoming year.