1. Get out of your own way. There is no "I" in "team," but there is a "me." None of us like to admit this, but sometimes, we can be our own worst enemies. Despite our best intentions, we can overlook opportunities for growth or change by sticking to a routine that we feel keeps the wheels of business turning on a daily basis. Switch jobs with a coworker for a week, and observe how they tackle things differently. Put people from diverse departments on teams together and give them an interesting challenge or task. Walk in the shoes of some of your other employees for a day, observe what sort of challenges they typically encounter and figure out ways to make their jobs easier. Leaders of any organization are always examining the engagement level and dedication of their employees, but how can you be a better team player?

 

2. Make an interesting new hire. Now, I'm not suggesting you find an English major to work in your laboratory. But making a non-traditional hire in a traditional position may give your company the fresh outlook and culture it needs. Hire someone who has a proven track record of success in a totally different industry to be your chief financial officer, head of marketing or information officer. These individuals will likely bring new ideas and concepts that have worked for them elsewhere. They will likely have contacts and connections outside of your industry that may expose your business to new audiences and broaden your customer base. These skills and abilities can help you get out of a rut in a hurry.

3. Listen to your customers—and show them that you're listening. Patients don't like feeling far removed from the companies and organizations that are supposed to be in a position to impact their lives. Let the wishes of your end customer dictate where you concentrate your efforts—and then brag that you did it. Patients don't like being told that there are no truly effective, safe therapies for rare illnesses—resolve to change that, and give them hope for a better quality of life. Patients don't like being prescribed drugs that have side effects that are similar to the symptoms they are trying to alleviate—even if your clinical trial says that a good percentage of patients may see benefits from a drug, recognize when patients complain, resolve to address their concerns and show them that you want to see more patients have a positive response. THAT is what "filling an unmet medical need" looks like.

 

And remember, giving serious thought to making serious changes in your business or life is not an activity restricted to the month of January. Any time of the year is always a good time to examine where you are, ponder where you'd like to be and formulate a plan for how to get there. The most successful businesses are always in this frame of mind. Best of luck in '13.