As the year 2024 drew to a close, Henry Russell, CEO of SANTOS Holdings, found himself sitting at his desk, surrounded by mementos of the year gone by. The office was illuminated by the soft glow of twinkling lights, remnants of the holiday season that had just passed. For Henry, this time of year was not only a chance to celebrate the successes of the business but also an opportunity for reflection and growth. He opened his journal, a well-worn companion filled with notes, thoughts, and lessons learned throughout the year. He began to review the goals he had set at the beginning of 2024. There were successes to celebrate—record profits, expanded partnerships, and a thriving workplace culture that fostered collaboration and joy. Yet, as he flipped through the pages, he felt the need to delve deeper into the essence of his leadership.
“What have I accomplished this year?” he wrote at the top of a new page. “More importantly, have I bettered my team?” This question echoed in his mind as he recalled the initiatives they had implemented: the weekly celebrations, the “Joy Fund,” and the community outreach projects. Each initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for his employees. But Henry knew that reflection was not just about assessing outcomes; it was also about understanding growth. He thought about the individual journeys of his team members—the challenges they faced, the skills they developed, and the personal milestones they achieved. The heart of SANTOS Holdings was its people, and Henry felt a responsibility to ensure that each person was thriving.
As he pondered these thoughts, he decided to invite his leadership team to a year-end retreat. He wanted to create a space where they could collectively reflect on their experiences and set goals for the upcoming year. The idea was to encourage open dialogue about their progress and aspirations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The day of the retreat arrived, and the team gathered in a cozy conference room adorned with seasonal decorations. Henry welcomed everyone with a warm smile. “Today is about us—about our journeys as individuals and as a team. Let’s take the time to reflect on our achievements and the lessons we’ve learned, and from there, we’ll set our sights on how to better ourselves and each other in 2025.”
The team engaged in a series of discussions and activities designed to facilitate reflection. They shared their proudest moments from the past year, highlighting individual achievements and team successes. As they spoke, Henry encouraged them to dig deeper. “What challenges did you face this year, and how did those experiences shape you?” he prompted. The room was filled with thoughtful silence as team members considered their answers. Sarah, the marketing manager, spoke first. “I struggled with balancing multiple campaigns at once. I felt overwhelmed, but it taught me the importance of delegation and trusting my team. I realized that when I opened up and asked for help, we all succeeded together.”
Tom, the head of operations, added, “For me, it was learning to adapt to unexpected changes in our supply chain. It was stressful, but it forced me to improve my problem-solving skills and get creative with our resources. I want to make sure we have strategies in place for future challenges.”
As each person shared their experiences, a sense of camaraderie grew. They were not just colleagues; they were a team that had navigated the ups and downs of the year together. Encouraged by this atmosphere of vulnerability, Henry introduced the next part of their retreat. “Now, let’s think about the future,” he said, handing out sheets of paper with guiding questions. “What goals do you have for yourself in the coming year? How can we as leaders support each other and our teams in achieving those goals? And perhaps most importantly, how can we ensure that every individual at SANTOS Holdings feels valued and empowered?”
The team members took time to write down their thoughts, and then they broke into smaller groups to discuss their ideas. Henry wandered from group to group, listening to their conversations and offering guidance. It was inspiring to see the passion each person had for their own growth and for the growth of their teammates. When they reconvened, each group shared their insights. Sarah suggested implementing a mentorship program to help newer employees learn from seasoned team members. “It could create opportunities for personal and professional growth while fostering connections across departments,” she proposed.
Tom emphasized the need for continuous learning. “Let’s offer more training sessions and workshops throughout the year. We should invest in our people’s development, not just in their roles but in their overall skills.” As the discussions flowed, Henry felt a renewed sense of optimism. They were not just setting goals; they were establishing a vision for a thriving, supportive organization.
Finally, Henry wrapped up the retreat by summarizing the key takeaways. “Our focus for 2025 will be on empowerment, collaboration, and growth. Each one of you plays a vital role in our success as a company, and I want us to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement—not just for the business but for ourselves and for each other.”