As the year winds down, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. With the finish line in sight and the holidays just around the corner, exhaustion can set in.
But here’s the good news: There’s still time to set you and your team up for a strong finish and a better start to 2025.
The secret? A team SWOT analysis. It’s a simple yet powerful way to assess where you’ve been, what’s working, and what adjustments are needed to build a more focused, energised team for next year.
Reflect on what went well (Strengths)
Before looking at what’s gone wrong or needs fixing, take a moment to celebrate your wins and reflect on what contributed to them.
- What successes can you point to? What are we proud of achieving?
- What contributed to us hitting our goals this year?
- What strategies or skills made a real difference?
- What are the strengths of our team, processes and strategies?
Assess what didn’t go so well (Weaknesses)
Now it’s time for some honest reflection on where things fell short and what needs to improve for next year.
- What didn’t work as well as expected?
- What weaknesses or limitations held us back?
Spot new opportunities (Opportunities)
Look ahead to 2025 and spot the opportunities that your team can take advantage of.
- What can we continue doing to build on our strengths?
- What new opportunities are emerging?
- Are there new markets to explore? Unmet needs within the industry that could benefit from our experience?
- How can we position ourselves to seize them?
- What skills or resources do we need to develop?
Mitigate potential threats that could hold us back (Threats)
Anticipate challenges that might affect your team’s success in 2025. Identifying these now will help you stay ahead.
- What threats could impact us next year?
- What processes or systems need improving to avoid repeating mistakes?
- Are there changes in the market, competitors or internal challenges (e.g. burnout, resource constraints) that need to be addressed?
- How can we mitigate risks before they become problems? What should we start/stop doing?
Final thoughts: Finish strong, start stronger
By reflecting and planning, you can close this year with clarity and purpose, while setting the foundation for a focused, energised start to 2025. Don’t let the holiday fatigue cloud your team’s potential – embrace this opportunity to regroup, recalibrate and recharge for the year ahead.
What’s one change you’ll commit to in 2025 to overcome the challenges you faced this year?
