As the year winds down, most businesses shift into wrap-up mode final meetings, last-minute deliverables, celebrations, and a dash to the finish line. But December offers more than closure. It provides one of the most powerful windows for reflection, recalibration, and conscious decision-making. Lets not make 2026 a ground hog year.

When leaders pause not just to review the numbers, but to reflect with purpose they create a foundation for stronger culture, intentional strategy, and sustainable performance in the year ahead. Purposeful reflection turns hindsight into insight, and insight into momentum.

If you have been thinking ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) and not really knowing where to start, I think the easiest way to look at it is to consider if you want to be a sustainable business and be here in the future. Now is the perfect time to start your journey and below are some reflective questions you can start asking yourself.

1. Did We Stay True to Our Purpose and Values?

The end of the year reveals whether values were lived or simply laminated.

Ask:

• Decisions demonstrated what we stand for?
• Where did we drift from our purpose, and why?
• What behaviour did we walk past that we shouldn’t have?
• What behaviours do we want to amplify in the new year?

2. How Did Our People Experience This Year?

People are the core of any ESG-aligned approach.

Reflect on:

• How well did we support our team through pressure points?
• What did engagement, turnover, capacity, and wellbeing tell us?
• Did our leadership behaviours enhance or erode psychological safety?
• What signals did we see - both positive and concerning?

3. What Impact Did We Create Beyond Profit?

Sustainability and community impact shape reputation, attraction, and client expectations.

Consider:

• What positive contributions did we make to our community or industry?
• How did we minimise waste, inefficiency, or environmental impact?
• Did we make ethical decisions even when no one was watching?
• Where do we need clearer governance, reporting, or transparency?

4. What Did We Learn? And What Do We Need to Unlearn?

Every year brings breakthroughs and blind spots.

Reflect on:

• What decisions helped us move forward?
• What slowed us down?
• Where did we innovate?
• What processes or habits no longer serve us?

5. Where Did Our Strategy Hold and Where Must It Evolve?

Before stepping into operational planning for next year, reflect intentionally.

Consider:

• Did our strategic pillars remain relevant this year?
• What changed in our external environment?
• What capability gaps or opportunities emerged?
• What needs to be prioritised in 2026?

6. What Conversations Need to Happen Before We Switch Off?

Unspoken issues grow over the break.

Purposeful year-end conversations might include:

• Resetting expectations
• Acknowledging pressure points
• Celebrating wins intentionally
• Clarifying ownership for January so no one returns to chaos

Closing the Year With Purpose

Purposeful reflection isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness.

It’s about ensuring your business pauses long enough to:

• Honour the effort
• Recognise the learning
• Reconnect to purpose
• Realign the team
• Step into the new year with intention rather than inertia.

When leaders close the year with purpose, they open the next one with clarity.

If you would like to have this discussion with someone, please reach out and we can assist.If you would like to start the ESG conversation and don’t know where to start, this is as good a time as any.Ignore the politics of it all and just think ESG equals a sustainable business into the future and who doesn’t want that!