I often find myself to be more reflective and introspective in the autumn than other times of the year. The year is coming to a close, and the whirlwind of activity associated with customer advisory board delivery is winding down as well. It is a time to look back on what has worked well and what are some of the areas to mix up and improve going into the next year.
Fall is also a traditional time for giving thanks. I think this every single day, but I am thankful to be employed at a company that has strong values and an open and inclusive culture. I am thankful for colleagues that I enjoy working with, and who I learn from every day. I am thankful for work that stretches and challenges me and is never dull, and for a workplace that encourages employees to take risks.
I am also thankful for our great clients. They are very focused on helping their businesses grow and recognize that one very clear path to doing so is to continue to invest in their existing customers. Many are incredibly creative in their approaches to partnership and are focused on making the bets they need to make in order to avoid the loss of customers to competitors. In this ultra-competitive world, retaining clients is not only revenue retained but future revenue gained. I’m grateful that our clients continue to push themselves and us to help them drive forward innovative ways of co-creating and innovative to make their clients successful.
As you reflect upon the ways that you are thankful during this end of year season, think also about what you have learned from your customers and how you can put forward more and more opportunities for that shared learning in the year ahead.
Here’s to a happy Thanksgiving and the many things to be thankful for.