I think some famous screen cowboy (whose name I can't remember) said "you shouldn't look back unless you're going that way".   That was probably profound to the other cowboys but of no value to the cows who liked the grass better in the last valley and voted to go back there.

This is not about cowboys but planning, and sometimes it pays to look back.   Last time we talked about the barriers to improvement – grow your people, have sound processes, and ensure effective marketing.   These can be addressed simply using a one-page plan, however before we can put pen to paper some reflection is required by the plan preparer.

We all want 2016 to be 'the best year yet'.   That might be a tad difficult if all the bad economic threats predicted by the media over the news-quiet holiday season come to pass.   But ignore all that noise, perhaps not totally ignore it, but ask yourself if Greece defaults on its debts how will that affect your customer who needs to buy a birthday cake.   Perhaps it would be worthwhile to look soon at several relevant factors to watch this year, ones which could have a local economic effect?

So, before you look forward take a look back and consider these four issues:

What did we do well last year?  Why?

What were the actions that achieved these great results?   Can we do more of these?

What did we do badly last year?  Why?

Where did the stuff-ups occur, why did we lose focus on our customers needs, etc.?   Specifically, what contributed to these problems (not who)?   Let's not do those again, which is the essence of true accountability.

What were our goals last year?  Which ones weren't achieved?  Why?

They may have been important last year, so consider why they weren't achieved.   If we want them as a goal again, why will it be different this time?   If it's just feel good or not a priority, drop it from the list this year.

Why is ours a winning team?

The Make-up of our people changes regularly, so too do the skills, capabilities and behavioural strengths of the team.   Make sure you understand your team and what actions, targets and rewards could work for you.