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Hey there!

This week, three different clients reached out to me, each with the same sense of urgency.

“We’ve got to make something happen before the year ends.”

“We want to roll into 2026 with a solid plan in place.”

“We can’t let another year go by without investing in our people.”​
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I nodded with every conversation because I’ve been there. I’ve felt that crunch. November arrives with its cozy sweaters and pumpkin-scented optimism, but it’s also quietly whispering, “You’ve got about eight weeks left. What are you going to do with them?”

And here’s the thing.

The leaders who win the long game don’t waste the fourth quarter.

They know that the end of the year isn’t just for celebration. It’s for intention. Momentum. Small but mighty moves that set the stage for what’s next.

Let’s talk about two ways I’m seeing leaders leverage this season...both equally smart.

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Option 1: Finish 2025 With Purpose

Roll out a team-wide development effort in November. Not a long, drawn-out series, but a two-hour Year-End Reflection Workshop designed to help leaders and teams:

• Celebrate what went well
• Acknowledge where they got stuck
• Clarify how they want to grow in 2026

It’s simple. Focused. And wildly effective.

If you want to give it a shot, I’ll send you the outline so you can run it yourself, or I can facilitate a virtual session. What a great way to spend those last few development dollars that you need to use up, so you don't lose them!

Option 2: Get a Head Start on 2026

Another client asked a brilliant question this week: “What do we need to start learning now so we aren’t scrambling next summer?”

That led us straight into a Skills Forecast.

Together, we looked at their strategy for the next 18 months and asked:

• Which skills will be essential for the future of their work?
• What will leaders need to navigate change, ambiguity, or growth?
• Where are they already strong, and where are the gaps?

The goal isn’t to boil the ocean. It’s to name the five or six skills that really matter and build a simple plan to start developing them now.

This approach does two things:

1. It builds confidence that you’re developing the right things
2. It builds momentum before the new year even begins.

If you want to try it, I have a plug-and-play worksheet that will help you start the conversation. It’s not fancy, but it works. Just let me know and I'll send it to you!

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Run a Year-End Reflection Workshop

Build clarity and momentum with your team before the holiday haze kicks in.

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​Pilot a Skills Development Sprint

Build out the skills you will need for 2026 now, so you’re not guessing in Q1.

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Final Thought

November doesn’t have to feel frantic. It can feel intentional.

Quietly powerful.

The kind of month that makes December easier and January stronger.

If you’re ready to wrap the year with purpose or prep for your next big leap, I’d love to help.

And if you’ve got your own ideas brewing, tell me. This community thrives on smart people sharing what works.

Stay thoughtful, stay practical,

Regina

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A Little Bit About Regina I'm Regina Taute (say Howdy Taute and you've pronounced it right) a seasoned talent leader with experience in leadership and organizational development. I started Collective Growth Coaching and Consulting to partner with organizations to develop wildly practical and effective talent strategies. As a credentialed coach and certified in MBTI and Hogan assessments, my passion lies in unlocking potential and driving sustainable growth by helping individuals and teams thrive in today’s evolving business world. It would be my honor to join you for a complimentary 30-minute coaching session to help solve a current challenge with wildly practical solutions or to meet with you one-on-one to chat and get to know you.