2015 is coming to a close and 2016 is quickly approaching.  For me personally…the end of 2015 can’t come soon enough.  However, 2015 was a year of growth for me.  I was challenged with decisions and actions.  I was challenged personally and professionally.  Let me share the highlights;

2015 CHALLENGES

• I made a temporary job change in January.  I left my current job and took another (see blog post, “CEO For A Week”) for 8 days.  Realizing that was a mistake, I returned back to my current position.  However, that put me behind and I played “catch up” all year.  I had to repair and rebuild relationships.  I definitely took several steps back.
• We had 2 serious injuries in the 1st Quarter.  For the first time in 18 months, I had two employees seriously injured.  As a Safety Professional, that is not what you want to see.
• The overall oil and gas business suffered and we had to make some cuts within the organization.
• I had to make a very difficult decision and lay-off one of my EHSS Representatives.  That created a void that had to be filled by myself and others.
• My daughter lost her first baby; meaning my wife and I lost our first grand baby.  Many tears were shed and many prayers and healing took place.
• My mother had triple by-pass while my father suffered multiple respiratory issues. This required much attention and commitment from my wife and myself.

2015 SUCCESSES

• I got back the job I loved so much.
• After a very rough first quarter, the company went the remainder of the year (10 months) without any other serious injuries.  Our employees overcame and succeeded!
• Our company continues to perform at a level greater than most of our competition.
• My staff has stepped up and filled the void of our downsizing and we have accomplished more in 10 months than any of us expected!
• We have increased our manufacturing capacity and reduced redundant quality issues.
• My son-in-law and daughter moved to the OKC area!!  Great having them close to us.
• My daughter is pregnant and I will be a GRANDFATHER in APRIL 2016!!!!
• My mom has recovery nicely from her triple by-pass and is more active than she has been in 20 ears.  My 82 yr old father is healthy and continues to be active in retirement.
• MY MOTHER-IN-LAW GOT MARRIED!!!! (you read what you want in the statement)
• Marlene and I celebrated 29 years of marriage!!  I love the women so much and can’t imagine what I would do without her.
• I increased my leadership through self-growth!
• I was elected to the OK Safety Council Board of Directors and the Porches of Arbor Creek HOA Board of Directors.
• I was Keynote Speaker at a record number of events and conducted a record number of leadership training.

Well you get the idea.  I hope I didn’t bore you.  Here is what I learned from this exercise.  Sure 2015 was a challenging year.  However, I realized that my SUCCESSES far outweighed my CHALLENGES.  Believe it or not, I just realized that by writing this blog.  I understand the frustrations and challenges we all have in life.  However, I have come to see that success will come.  Sometimes you just need to peel pack the layers to find them all.

REVIEW PROCESS

I conducted this year-end review by identifying my successes and challenges by “reflective evaluation”.  So, what does the term “reflective evaluation” mean ?  Reflective evaluation is self-created term I used to extract value from past experiences by knowing where we started, where we stand currently and where we want to go.

How did I achieve this?  By doing the following:

1. I take time to reflect in a quiet place.  Usually at work or the hotel room before 6 am.
2. I always include time in my daily routine to reflect on my personal and professional goals and objectives.  The month of December is when I will reflect and evaluate for the closing year.
3. I look at what was achieved and where I fell short.  I list what was good and bad and positive and negative about each.  I AM TRUTHFUL and IT HURTS!
4. I always fill in my personal goals and objectives as I work on and hopefully complete each one.  This allows me to easily evaluate my actions and what needs to be changed, modified or stretched.
5. I look forward. I am always looking at how I can stretch my goals and the goals of those who work with me.  This allows me and my group to always look for opportunities to EXCEED EXPECTATIONS!

Be it very simple and plain, this is what I do in my reflective evaluation process.  It is very effective in producing a practical and accurate portrayal of my performance and/or the performance of my group.

Those who don’t reflect and evaluate will continue to muddle through the days, weeks, months and even years being cultivated by the forces of a culture, social pressures and personal weaknesses.  In contrast, those who reflect and evaluate will create a firm foundation that leads them to the road of success.  People who reflect and evaluate will know what to do and when to do it.  They will navigate the open road along with the winding curvy mountainous roads to success.

I strongly encourage you to reflect and evaluate 2015.  Where did you come from? , Where are you now?, and Where do you want to go?

Do it now for a successful 2016!!