The summer is a perfect time to assess your team: what’s working, if the communication is clear and open, and if there is the necessary trust and respect. Schedule a formal offsite team meeting, to review last year, consider this year’s goals, and refresh your written plan to execute. It’s also a great opportunity to remind your team what your value proposition is, clarify roles and responsibilities, and review team goals for the remainder of this year.

When was the last time you took one of the various ideas you’ve wanted to implement to improve your practice and actually did it? As you strategize for the second half of this year, pick one or two of the ideas that have been rolling around and plan how to execute them this year, and determine who on the team will own it. Accountability is key to implementation. It’s not “we” – it’s you or me. Midway through the year is the perfect time to weave in a fresh new process and then assess its effectiveness at the end of the year.

Do you have a written succession plan? Financial professionals usually help their clients with estate planning, but don’t put as much thought and detail into their business succession plan. If you don’t have one, start taking the steps to develop a plan, or if you already have one, take time to review it and make any necessary changes or updates. We aren’t the same people we were last year, and it’s important to keep our succession plan up to date as our lives change.

When you look at this year’s plan, don’t just focus on the things that you aren’t on track to achieve, but take stock of what has been accomplished to date. Oftentimes, we don’t push “pause” for even a few moments to consider the great accomplishments that we’ve had or the incredible work we’ve done for our clients (not to mention the personal achievements/milestones of our team members). The act of saying “we did it” can be incredibly energizing for the entire team and be sure to carry this attitude for the remainder of the year.

As we move into the summer season, make sure to celebrate your successes and take a moment for yourself. Spend time in the sun with your family, and, if you are so inclined, clean out your drawers and cupboards for a streamlined rest of the year.