The 3 Things Leaders Should Focus on During First Quarter

We’ve just entered a new year, and if you’re a leader, this is your opportunity for change and to set the tone for the months ahead. I’m talking about action. Not just thinking about growth or success but executing on those ideas with laser focus.

As you kick off this year, there are three imperative areas where your energy and attention should be heavily invested. These areas will not only set the pace for your business but will help you grow as a leader. Let’s break it down.

1. Financial Health & Preparation: Start with a Clean Slate

When the clock ticks down and the calendar shifts to a new year, the last thing you want is to be caught scrambling with last-minute tax headaches or unclear financial records. A great leader always has their financial house in order - so let’s talk about getting it right from the get-go.

“You have to know where you stand,” as I always say. If you don’t have a clear understanding of your financial position, you’re already behind. Before the year closes, sit down and review your financial records. No - this isn’t just about paying bills. This is about knowing your true balance. Look at your expenses, income, and all other financial transactions. Make sure your records are updated and accurate, not just your bank account balance.

Leaders often get bogged down by looking at their bank balance and thinking that’s all they need to know. But you need a bigger picture, not just what’s in the bank. Use tools like QuickBooks or other accounting software to get a true and clear picture. And if you’re feeling uncertain, bring in an expert - an accountant who is also an advisor and can double-check your books and help you understand what’s going on. It’s better to catch discrepancies now than to be hit with nasty surprises in April when taxes are due.

2. Develop a Strong Leadership Team

As a leader, you cannot do everything yourself, no matter how much you try. You need to develop your team so they can handle the load when it’s time to delegate. Remember Brad Lea’s quote, “If you want to be a millionaire, delegate. But millionaires delegate and billionaires develop people.”

So, how do you get to that billionaire level? You’ve got to develop your people first. Developing your team isn’t just about teaching them the job. It’s about teaching them how to think, how to lead, and how to make decisions that align with the big vision you have for your organization.

This is where leadership is key. Your role as a leader is not just to manage - it’s to mentor. Take the time to train your team, teach them your processes, and help them grow. When you delegate, it’s important that they understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. You can’t just throw them the reins before equipping them with the skills they need to take control. If you don’t develop them, they won’t be able to step up when it matters most.

I always think about that metaphor from the old Western movies - the hero throws the reins to their partner with the hope that they can take the horse while the hero jumps to the stagecoach to save the damsel in distress. But what if the partner had never been taught to ride? It’s a disaster waiting to happen. Your job as a leader is to teach your team how to take those reins, so when you pass the leadership baton, they don’t crash and burn.

3. Be Intentional About Mental Strength and Resilience

Every new year brings new challenges. If you’ve been in business long enough, you know this is true. Every year will test your resilience in different ways - economically, logistically, and emotionally. That’s why mental strength is one of the most important things a leader can focus on as they step into a new year.

Surround yourself with the right advisors - people who can provide different perspectives and support you in areas where you might have weaknesses or blind spots. You can’t do it alone. But remember, resilience is a mindset. This year, you need to focus on building mental strength. Use stress as an opportunity for growth. Keep your head in the game and don’t let setbacks take you off course.

Leaders, especially those at the helm of growing businesses, need to be able to make decisions in moments of pressure. If you want to grow your company, you need to be able to respond to challenges calmly, strategically, and with unwavering determination.  Nothing comes back to bite you like making serious decisions while emotionally charged. 

Make this the year you focus on personal development as much as business development. You cannot lead your company to greatness if you don’t first lead yourself with strength and confidence.

Focus, Grow, Lead

During the first quarter of the year, it's not just about new goals or new targets - it’s about solidifying your foundation. As a leader, if you don’t have a clear financial picture, a team ready to step up, and the mental strength to steer you through the ups and downs, you’re not setting yourself up for success.

So, take action now. Review and update your financial records. Invest in developing your team - they’re the ones who will carry your vision forward. And build mental strength to weather the challenges the new year is sure to bring.

The future of your business and your success as a leader depend on it.