Every year, I look forward to the fall. Even as a youngster, I remember the sense of anticipation of kicking off something new. Back then, it was about a new school year with new classes, teachers and friends. It was about back-to-school shopping and new clothes to wear. It was about the changing colors, cooler nights and crisp mornings. It was about football practice double sessions, new teammates, new coaches, uniforms, venues and, of course, cheerleaders. Fall represented the kick off to something new and exciting.
As an adult, I have to admit that I still have this same sense of anticipation. The lazy dog days of summer are coming to an end. There is a renewed focus on schedules, routines and goals. Vacations are over and people are getting back to work. In addition, the colors are changing, the nights are getting cooler and the mornings are a bit crisper. College football is back in full swing. It’s time to kick it off within your company, too.
Kicking off the fall season involves getting everyone back into the swing of things—refocused, re-energized and re-dedicated to the cause. Your people may have lost focus over the summer months or even forgotten what their projects, plans and objectives were. They need to be reprogrammed, in a sense, and given a fresh perspective now that fall is here.
In the green industry, we often think of holding a spring kick-off meeting. I would encourage you to commit to a fall kick-off meeting, as well. After all, spring is over and summer is winding down. What’s done is done, good or bad. But the fall season is still ahead of you.
Wouldn’t you like to finish strong? Kicking it off with a purpose is the way to make it happen.
Now go forth.
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