Some of the best companies out there embrace a certain philosophy that helps them to move forward, to grow and expand positively each year. Some gurus of change management describe it this way — look back, to look ahead.

When you look back at the year that’s passed, you can use that as a guiding benchmark to work toward the future – but how do you make sure you’re going in the right direction?

Here are four excellent ways to evaluate this past year, 2016, to the advantage of your business.

Did You Innovate?

Regardless of what industry you’re in, you probably have heard announcements and news over the past year, about new technologies and new ways of doing things better with the big technological advances of our age. Cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and new business networking capabilities have led to a wide range of new tools for business.

So one question to ask yourself as you look back on 2016 is: did you adopt any of this newfangled stuff? Did you take advantage of those new tools to renovate your business model for a lean and mean competitive enterprise going forward?

Did You Empower?

Here’s another good way to look back at 2016. How did you value the people who are doing the work to make your business succeed?

If you’re a manager or business leader, think about that for a second. Did 2016 make your employees any more engaged and empowered than they were before? Are you bringing people together as members of the same teams — and are you supporting every level of staff in a way that will encourage them to give you maximum productivity and effort?

Did You Attract?

Here’s another very useful way to look back at 2016.

Did you grow in terms of hiring and recruiting? Did you get the right people in place to help you with your goals and objectives?

If the answer is no, or even maybe, you may have work to do in your hiring process. These days, competitive hiring is all about showcasing what’s great about your company to the outside world. Why would people come to work for you? These things should be front and center, in job ads and elsewhere in your corporate communications, to project a positive image of your company that’s going to help you to attract the right people.

Did You Sell?

Here’s that nitty-gritty part that salespeople like, and many other people don’t.

Yes, in a way, it’s good to look back at 2016 and see what your sales numbers were. It’s not that you can force those numbers to increase — but if you didn’t hit your benchmarks or reach your goals, it may be that things were standing in your way. And when you start to address those things, you’re building a positive future.

About Full Steam Staffing

Full Steam Staffing is a full-service staffing agency focused on providing clerical and light industrial staffing solutions to manufacturers, distribution centers and other organizations that need qualified, reliable workers. If you are currently looking to hire and grow your workforce, contact our team of skilled recruiters today!