How to Kick Old Habits in the New Year

The first of the year is the time to evaluate, look back on the past year, and analyze what needs to be changed. In the new year, individuals often do this, but organizations can do it, too. Organizations might have old habits that need to be changed. The first of the year is an opportune time to start changing those habits.

Kick those old habits in 3 steps

The three steps to change old habits in an organization are identifying habits, defining a vision and values, and coaching.

Identify old habits to lose

First an organization should identify the old habits that they want to change. This can be done through listening sessions with the staff. The listening sessions should be non-judgmental and clearly speak to the systems and procedures of the organization, not to individuals. Try to identify underlying root causes of the habits as well. Identifying the habits might not be easy, but it is important to do so that the organization can move forward more effectively.

Define a new vision

Once an organization has identified the old habits and the root causes then it can take time to define a new vision and values for the organization. The new year is also a time to analyze and review the vision and values for the organization. Having a clear vision and set of values help set new habits for the organization. The new habits could relate to how decisions and changes are made, how procedures are made, and what programs are created. The vision and values guide your organization and how it operates.

You can define your vision by making a vision board. A visual vision board provides an opportunity for the organization to create a creative and bold vision that then can be described in a written statement. You can define your values the same way.

There are also tools that help you to define your values, such as value deck cards. Find a new way to define your vision and values that you have not done in the past.

Find a coach

The last step to change old habits is to get a coach. A coach is a wonderful resource to help an organization change their habits. I began meeting with a coach for my work last year. I did not know what to expect. The last time I had a coach was in high school, when I played soccer.

The type of coach I am referring to is different from an athletic coach. The type of coach I am referring to asks you questions that lead you to your own conclusions. I found this to be true in my meetings with my coach. I set the agenda, the coach asks me questions, and I supply my own solutions and next steps.

Organizations can have individual employees each have a coach and/or they can have a group coach to collaborate with the entire staff. A coach can help you stay accountable and on track. A coach can help you to change your old habits and stick to your new habits.

Think about the old habits that you need to leave behind this new year. Identify those habits then define a new vision for your organization that does not include those habits. Choose values for your organization that helps you to change those old habits and finally get a coach that can help you stay accountable.

One, two, three, your new habits are here to stay.

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