This is likely the end of the first proper week back at work after the festive break for many folk. If it hasn’t felt like a particularly dramatic, inspiring or transformative few days, that’s definitely not a bad thing.
January has a habit of seeming to start noisily, with chatter about fresh starts, resolutions and lots of good intentions (although I’ve talked to a few people who have completely abandoned the idea of making resolutions for 2026).
But in reality, this first week back is usually much quieter. It’s actually more about ramping back up and reconnecting with work, people and pace rather than getting stuck into anything new.
In my work with leaders, I often notice that this week is more of a sense-check and a reorientation. What’s still true? What’s changed - and what hasn’t? How ready is everyone to get cracking? It’s often about getting a feel for what the year (and especially this next quarter) is actually going to demand, rather than what you hoped it might look like back in December.
Over the coming weeks, I’ll be writing more about leadership capacity, decision-making under pressure and in uncertainty and how leaders stay effective when there’s very little spare room. But right now, there’s no sharing of insights or ideas for action from me.
Instead, this is just a reminder that starting steadily is often the most realistic - and sustainable - way to begin a new year.
If a conversation to think out loud about the year ahead would be helpful (not because anything’s wrong but because you want to start the year on the right foot)… you’re welcome to get in touch.
Here’s to a grounded, very human start to the year 😊