Business leaders should begin planning for 2025 growth immediately, according to motivational speaker and bestselling author Rocky Romanella. In a recent newsletter article titled "Autumn Winds: Turn The Page," Romanella argues that this season requires leaders to balance finishing the current year strong tactically while strategically building next year's plan.
Romanella states that leaders must evaluate their business health and results at this time of year. If off plan, they need consistent positive short-term results to end the year on target. If on or over plan, they must maintain momentum into the new year. This period also demands evaluation from a growth perspective, assessing whether new product, market, and geographic opportunities were identified and generated as part of the current year's strategy.
The complexity lies in balancing short-term end-of-year results with long-term strategic objectives for 2025. Romanella suggests that the Balanced Leadership approach outlined in his book 'Tighten The Lug Nuts' serves as the foundation for this planning and execution. This approach involves thoughtfully considering three constituents in decision-making: customers, employees, and shareholders or stakeholders.
When implemented effectively, Romanella claims this approach helps organizations develop people who think like customers, feel like valuable employees, and act like owners. He provides guiding questions for the planning process, focusing on client-driven vision, employee development, continuous learning, team utilization, and developing leaders who can anticipate market changes.
Romanella offers numerous resources through his platform. His book 'Tighten The Lug Nuts: The Principles Of Balanced Leadership' recently achieved number one bestseller status in both Business Management and Business Leadership categories. Drawing from over forty years of experience at UPS and CEO roles, the book provides practical concepts organized in what he describes as an educational and entertaining framework.
Additional resources include The Leadership Library Podcast, now in its eighth season with new episodes posted every Tuesday and Thursday morning at https://tightenthelugnuts.com/. The podcast covers topics including trust, soft skills, goal setting, integrity, strategic vision, and operational excellence. It is also available at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1484407 and Apple Podcasts.
Romanella contributes to Forbes Business Council, with his articles available at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/forbes-business-council/. His website at https://3sixtymanagementservices.com offers additional resources including a list of 23 leadership competencies, a library of over 108 podcasts, and training videos. These materials aim to help organizations position themselves for what Romanella calls the "Rapid Rebuild" process following the pandemic.
The timing of this planning discussion matters because organizations face increasing complexity in balancing immediate performance demands with future growth requirements. Romanella's emphasis on beginning 2025 planning now recognizes that strategic thinking requires time and cannot be rushed during year-end pressures. His Balanced Leadership framework provides a structured approach for organizations navigating this challenging period while preparing for future competitive advantage.
