Take the time to strategise and plan ahead for 2026

The new year has well and truly begun, and before we know it, we’ll be hurtling towards Easter and wondering what happened to summer. 

Now that we’re back in the office and enthusiastically working towards our 2026 goals, it’s time to think about strategy, and it’s not too late to make sure you’re planning ahead for coming 12 months. 

Perhaps you’re not yet working towards your 2026 goals, or haven’t set them yet? 

It’s all too easy to throw yourself back into work when you arrive back in the office some time in January – or February if you’re lucky - catching up on emails and urgent matters. Then before you know it, you’re knee-deep in regular duties. 

Even though it’s now early February, it might be a good time to set a few hours aside for planning for 2026 if you haven’t already. It’s a good opportunity to also re-set your goals for next financial year, and what might be worth working towards from July onwards. You don’t have to stop there – you could also think about five and 10-year goals. 

Goals give us a target to work towards and can often re-invigorate your team. 

A good operator will constantly re-evaluate their goals too, checking to see whether you’re on track or more needs to be done. 

While setting goals, it’s a good idea to consider your communication objectives as well. This should include both internal and external communications. Are you keeping your team members up to date with your strategic direction, working with them on their goals and targets, and working on engagement strategies to keep them on the right track for the year ahead? 

Are your external communications up to scratch? Have you touched base this year with current and potential clients, partners, stakeholders or your online community? It might be worth a newsletter to your stakeholders or an email to update them on your priorities for the year ahead.     

If you have some time, assess your business strengths and weaknesses for the coming year. Working on a SWOT analysis will help you strategise for the year ahead, giving you a clearer idea of where work needs to be done and allowing you to focus on top priorities. 

Just like our wardrobes need a seasonal refresh every now and then, so do our work practices. February is a perfect time to refresh your work strategies to kick start the new you, new opportunities and the new year. 

Verity Edwards

Hughes | Consultant