The start of the year is like the opening moments of a game—you’ve got your game plan, your players are motivated, and the energy is high. But after the first quarter, every great leader must pause and ask: Are we executing the plan? Are we positioned to win?

Thirty days into the year, it’s time to reflect and evaluate your team’s progress. This isn’t just about looking at numbers; it’s about understanding the story behind the metrics. What’s working? What’s not? And most importantly, how can you empower your team to keep pushing forward?

Let’s break it down into four key strategies to assess your team’s progress effectively.

1. Revisit Your Goals

At the start of the year, you likely set goals with your team. Now is the time to revisit them. For goal-setting reference check out 2025 Leadership Goals: How to Align Your Team for Maximum Impact

Ask yourself:

• Are these goals still aligned with our vision?
• Are we on track to achieve them?

If you find that some goals no longer fit or need to be adjusted, that’s okay. Adaptability is a strength. As Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” The value isn’t just in setting goals but in continuously refining them.

2. Engage Your Team for Feedback

The best leaders don’t assess progress in a vacuum. They actively engage their team to get input and insights.

Ask your team:

• What’s going well?
• What challenges are you facing?
• How can I support you better?

This kind of dialogue builds trust and helps you uncover blind spots. It also demonstrates that you’re committed to their success, not just the organization’s goals.

3. Review Individual Contributions

Teams win when individuals excel. Take time to assess the performance of each team member.

Consider these questions:

• Are they leveraging their strengths?
• Do they have the tools and resources they need?
• Are there opportunities for growth or development?

Remember, employee engagement isn’t just about perks or paychecks. It’s about ensuring your people feel valued and supported. A chapter in my book, Just Lead, discusses how recognizing individual contributions can transform workplace culture.

4. Adjust and Align for the Next 30 Days

Finally, use your findings to set the course for the next month. This is where you move from reflection to action.

Develop a plan that addresses the gaps while doubling down on what’s working. Share it with your team, and ensure everyone understands their role in achieving the updated goals. Accountability and clarity drive progress.

Call to Action: Lead Your Team to Greater Heights

The first 30 days of the year set the tone for what’s to come. But leadership is a journey, not a sprint. Take this time to evaluate, engage, and empower your team to ensure you’re not just moving but moving in the right direction.

As you assess your team’s progress, remember that great leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions. What questions are you asking your team today?

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, check out my past blog, Speaking Up on Workplace Bullying, where I dive deeper into creating a supportive workplace culture. Let’s make this year your team’s best yet.

Quote to Reflect On:
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell