For many business owners, September is a blur. A rush of catching up post-summer, juggling staff holidays, and trying to move dormant projects forward before year-end. But what if September could be your secret weapon?
In our experience, the businesses that thrive in Q4 don’t wait until October to get strategic, they start now - and that's why we have compiled this quick reference guide.
Why September Matters
The start of Q4 isn’t 1 October. It’s now.
By the time autumn properly kicks in, most businesses are deep into delivery mode. If you want to stay in control, you need to use September to review, refocus, and re-align, before the pressures of the final quarter take hold.
What’s Inside the Guide?
Our guide helps you take a clear-eyed look at your team, your metrics, and your goals, and gives you a structure to build a stronger Q4.
Here’s a snapshot of what we cover:
1. Take Stock of Where You Are
How’s the team really doing post-summer?
Are there signs of burnout, dropped projects, or interpersonal friction bubbling away under the surface? Small issues in September can become big problems in December if left unchecked.
2. Review Your Core People Metrics
Your people data gives you valuable clues — if you know what to look for.
We highlight key metrics like absence patterns, holiday balances, and workload distribution to help you spot risks early and act before they impact delivery.
3. Align People with Business Priorities
What does success look like by the end of the year — and does your team know?
This section shows you how to translate your Q4 goals into clear, individual expectations, with the right support in place to make delivery achievable.
4. Look Ahead to 2026
You don’t need a full workforce strategy yet, but thinking ahead now can save you a scramble later. We cover:
- Spotting future hiring needs
- Identifying who’s ready for more responsibility
- Starting informal succession conversations
Who Is the Guide For?
If you’re a business owner, director, or senior manager responsible for people, delivery, or strategy, this guide is for you.
It’s especially useful if:
- You’ve had a busy summer and need a reset
- Your team is stretched or showing signs of fatigue
- You want to finish 2025 strong, not just survive Q4
- You’ve got plans for growth in 2026 and want to lay the groundwork now
Why We Wrote This
We speak to business owners every week who say the same thing:
“We meant to look at that earlier in the year... and now we’re out of time.”
This guide is about giving you space to be proactive. It’s not about complicated HR frameworks or unrealistic strategic planning, it’s about taking an honest look at where you are, and making practical decisions that move you forward.
Download the Guide Today
If you'd like support reviewing your people data, working through the checklist, or helping your managers prep for Q4, we're here.
Let’s talk about what a strong finish to the year looks like for your team.
