Themes to Live By

For the last 30 years I have identified an annual theme to live by, both personally and professionally. I also encourage remodeling business leaders to do the same for their companies.

Yet for many businesses these annual themes are not very effective and end up on a shelf collecting dust.

Below are a few 2025 themes of successful businesses I work with, followed by tips to get your team on board. (And by the way, it is not too late to create your 2025 theme. )
 

Succesful Themes

1. “Strengthening the Core.” This theme is easy to understand with the personal fitness analogy. It has implications to all elements of the business both internally (sales/production/marketing etc.) and externally (alliances/client experience etc.). It also easily allows for specific goals and accountability.
2. ”Above and Beyond.” This theme is both light and serious in tone. The words encourage everyone to think about the future. It helps conjure ideas for growth and successful client and team experiences. It also forces everyone to articulate what this means, and create specific theme-related goals.
3. “We Are Built for This.” This was a 2024 theme. Last year was a time of uncertainty and these powerful words spoke to that feeling. This theme focuses on the business being prepared for any curve balls, as well as addresses values and character. This remodeler ended up with a strong year due in part to this theme.
4. “Elevate.”This one is action-oriented. It says, “Now is the time to take things to the next level.” It is positive and has a simple but feel-good message.
5. “Spicy Mustard.” I am still processing this one, however, as a theme it is great. It wakes you up, and speaks to weaving the unexpected into what we do. It also addresses differentiating yourself from others. There is a highly creative element here that encourages everyone to take risks and build a hot edge into what they do.

Tips for Implementation

The following are a few tips for theme creation and implementation.

1. Appreciate that while a theme may make sense to you, it could feel a little weird for some team members. Provide ample discussion on the how and why the theme helps accomplish goals for the company.
2. Bring key team members together to brainstorm theme ideas. Buy-in and collaboration are key.
3. Remember that the theme supports your mission and vision. It is not the actual mission and vision.
4. Themes should be action-oriented.
5. Themes should include everyone in all areas of the business.
6. Start out by making a splash with an annual theme, but then keep the ripples active through weekly and monthly touches. The whole leadership team should be responsible for keeping the theme alive.
7. Celebrate theme champions and outcomes throughout the year. Recognize instances where the theme was utilized and came alive.

Many reading this may find the ideas a little foreign and there could be some head scratching on the importance of creating a theme. However, most of the healthiest businesses today have an annual theme.

What is yours?