Engaging your people with purpose
The start of a new (financial) year often rushes past in a blur, especially for business owners wearing multiple hats. You’re deep in day-to-day operations, planning, juggling performance issues, recruting, attending to clients and customers, and everything else that lands on your desk.
What if, instead of reacting to every people challenge, you could lead from the front foot? What if you had a rhythm that made team engagement feel less like firefighting, and more structured and aligned.
It’s never too late to reset — no matter the time of year. Here are two simple yet powerful ways to proactively engage your team and anchor your culture:
1. Check in with purpose and authenticity
Regular one-on-one check-ins are one of the most underrated leadership tools. Done well, they build trust, surface small issues before they escalate, and provide meaningful connection.
Use these sessions to ask questions like:
• How are you? (Really.)
• What’s gone well for you lately?
• What’s been challenging in your role or in the team?
• Is there any support, development or clarity you need right now?
• What’s one thing you want to focus on in the next month/three months?
These aren’t tick-the-box chats. They’re moments to show up fully as a leader and be present. Make space. Listen. Reflect. And yes — give feedback too. The goal is to create a shared space of reflection and forward momentum.
Tip: Adjust the frequency of these conversations depending on the team member’s role, tenure and performance — monthly for some, quarterly for others.
2. Re-engage the collective
When was the last time you reminded your team why you exist as a business?
It’s easy to onboard new employees with energy and clarity — but what about the team that’s already with you? They need re-engagement too.
Hold all-in team sessions where you reconnect people with:
• The bigger picture — your mission, vision, and values
• Key priorities and business goals
• Wins, updates, and cross-team highlights
• Opportunities for contribution and collaboration
These gatherings help with clarity and engagement — and they energise the collective culture.
Make them interactive, human, and future-focused. Ask team leaders to participate and share parts of the agenda.
At BOLD Advisory, we believe people pressure becomes people performance when leaders and managers are equipped, teams are aligned, and communication is intentional.