Next year, don’t add more promises to an already over-leveraged portfolio of commitments. Instead, consider how you’d treat a company under pressure: surface some non-negotiable priorities, resource them properly, and foreclose on the rest.
We recommend shifting from resolutions to priorities because an unachieved resolution creates a sense of failure. Focusing on priorities helps you to remember what’s truly important whilst allowing for flexibility – especially in times of uncertainty.
Business and technology change, but perhaps these three are always priorities:
Keep your people happy. Nothing is more important than having the right team around you. Are you doing everything possible to create an environment where the right people can enjoy their work? When staff have to do tedious workarounds, and it continues year after year, they’re more likely to vote with their feet. Show your people you value them by making their jobs easier and investing in systems, processes, and tech.
Look after yourself. The term ‘self-care’ can suggest incense and chanting, but taking care of yourself – and those around you – must be a priority. You simply can’t run up a business when you and your leadership team are run down. Eat well, rest and exercise. Have a word with yourself.
Plan for the worst. The evidence shows that an average company is affected by a calamity every three to five years. It may be a cyber breach, or a weather event, or something completely out of the blue, but something will happen. Make your continuity plans are ready and make regular reviews and exercises part of the annual routine. Knowing that you are prepared to handle disasters gives everyone more confidence to press ahead.
One last point: if you want to make your priorities stick, they need to be other peoples’ priorities as well. Create your list, commit yourself, and communicate it widely and often.
As ever, we’re always happy to have a no-strings conversation about helping with your priorities, or anything else IT-related. Wishing you a safe and prosperous 2026, and that you stay on top of your key goals.