October hits differently. The holidays are over, the pace has picked up, and suddenly, the end of the year feels a lot closer than it did last month.
For many SMEs, it’s tempting to push hard through to Christmas and deal with strategy, structure, and staffing later. But that’s risky. The most effective leaders are using October to quietly build the foundations for next year – without adding pressure or cost.
The decisions you make this month – who you develop, who you keep close, and where you invest energy – are the ones that shape your culture, capacity, and commercial success in 2026.
Three things smart leaders are doing now:
- Sense-check your structure:
Before jumping into “headcount planning”, ask: What does the business really need next year? Not just in numbers—but in skills, mindset, and energy.
- Look at your pipeline:
That might mean clients, but it should also mean people. Who’s ready to grow? Who’s coasting? Who might leave if no one checks in?
- Align people with direction:
Don’t assume people know what the next chapter looks like. Bring your team into the plan—even if it’s still forming. Engagement isn’t built on certainty; it’s built on inclusion.
2026 will bring change—new legal rights, shifting expectations, tighter budgets. Waiting until January to get ahead of it all? That’s just a guaranteed slow start!
Let’s talk about where your people strategy meets your business goals—and how to build 2026 momentum, starting now. Book your free consultation with our team.