2025 is here, and it’s the perfect time to focus on smart moves to set your team up for success. Leaders who take decisive steps now are better positioned to see higher performance, stronger alignment, and better results all year long. Let’s talk about three smart moves you can make this quarter to set your team up for success.
1. Finish (or Start) Your Annual Planning
Annual planning isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the backbone of a successful year. If you haven’t completed your planning yet, don’t panic. There’s still time to align your team around clear priorities and execute with confidence.
Take a cue from companies like Airbnb and Eventbrite, which use structured planning processes to ensure buy-in and focus. This First Round article offers actionable lessons to streamline your planning and make it impactful.
The goal? Create clarity. When everyone knows the objectives and their role in achieving them, you eliminate ambiguity and empower your team. Find our blog on the benefits of alignment for more insights.
2. Launch or Refresh Your eNPS Process
Measuring engagement is another smart move to set your team up for success. The Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) is a quick, scalable way to understand how your employees feel about working with you. Whether your team is small or large, starting an eNPS survey at the beginning of the year is ideal.
Why start now? It takes time to gather meaningful data and identify trends. By launching your eNPS process this quarter, you’ll gain actionable insights to guide your Q2 planning and beyond.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just look at the score—dig into employee comments. Suggestions are a goldmine for improving morale, alignment, and performance. A team that feels heard performs with higher intensity and passion.
Learn more about fostering engaged, high-performing teams in Align’s team alignment resources.
3. Rethink Your Communication Rhythms
Strong communication practices are essential smart moves to set your team up for success. Too often, teams fall into routines that feel more obligatory than impactful. Use this quarter to evaluate and refine your communication rhythms.
Ask yourself:
- Are 1:1s helpful, or are they just another box to check?
- Could more impromptu “unblock” meetings help remove roadblocks faster?
- Are your weekly meetings driving momentum or rehashing the same updates?
- Is communication flowing effectively through your organization?
For many teams, adding a 15-minute weekly check-in can transform productivity. These short syncs keep everyone aligned, address obstacles early, and maintain momentum without overloading calendars.
For deeper insights, check out Align’s blog on communication strategies.
The Takeaway: Smart Moves, Better Results
Starting 2025 with the right strategies can set your team up for lasting success. By focusing on annual planning, using eNPS to track engagement, and improving communication rhythms, you’ll build the foundation for a high-performing team.
Remember, it’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Success in 2025 starts with the smart moves to set your team up for success. What steps will you take to start the year strong?
