Can you believe we are only 6 weeks away from 2010!
The traffic in Houston is already getting busier. Surely it’s not Christmas shoppers already! The stores in my area are discounting merchandise to boost early holiday spending…with the extra cars on the road, perhaps its working.

As I start to reflect on 2009 and think about 2010, I am reminded of a set of questions that I like to use to support my clients and my family to say goodbye to the current year and get prepared and excited about the coming year.

I am sharing these questions with you below. These are useful for organizations or individual Leaders.
If you are doing this exercise as an individual, it’s nice to have a good friend or family member participate with you and share your answers.
Have Fun! Send me a note if you have any questions that come up when doing the exercise.

1. What happened in 2009 that did not work?

What are your personal and organizational goals and initiatives that didn’t get fulfilled? (answer like you were reporting to the newspaper. Just the facts. No drama please) Shy away from judging or assessing what happened. This exercise is just stating what happened (like the replay video in football)

2. What was the “Big Issue” of 2009?
What issue did it seem you were talking about all year?
For some it was the economy. What was it for you?

3. Who are you “incomplete” with?

Is there anyone you need to follow-up with?
Anyone you need to apologize to?
Who do you need to thank for their help this year?
(Write down whoever comes to mind when you ask this question.)
Are there any actions to take or calls to make?

4. What worked in 2009?
What was successful? What turned out the way you planned it?
What new projects were implemented successfully?
What new things did you take on successfully?

5. What was your big accomplishment(s) in 2009?
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
What was a stretch for you but you made it?
Be generous with yourself here!

6. What do you want to be acknowledged for?

What did you do that no one knows about? Include the things you did that others saw but didn’t acknowledge you for it.

Anything else you want to say about 2009?

On my next blog entry I will share the questions for creating your goals for the New Year. Happy Thanksgiving. Bambi