The Year End Compass

A compass works by orienting itself to magnetic north, giving the traveler a fixed reference point. In the same way, reflection anchors us to the lessons and experiences of the past year. For corporate communicators, this reflective process is akin to recalibrating our internal compass—asking, What did I achieve, and what challenges shaped my journey?

We are often tasked with navigating uncharted waters, crafting messages that resonate across diverse audiences, and steering organisational narratives through the complexities of modern business. The Year End Compass is a tool that can guides us to pause, reflect on where we have been, and chart a deliberate course for where we aim to go. Like a compass pointing us toward true north, it offers clarity, direction, and purpose, helping us align our professional ambitions with personal growth.

The Compass as Reflection: Understanding the Past

Reflection begins with acknowledgment. A compass cannot guide a traveler who does not first know their location. Similarly, communicators must begin by recognising their contributions: the successful campaigns that told powerful stories, the moments of influence where a well-timed message bridged gaps, or the crises deftly navigated through clear and empathetic communication. These moments form the coordinates of our professional map, helping us understand the terrain we have traversed.

Yet, reflection is not only about successes. A compass is most valuable when the path is unclear, and so it is with self-assessment. By examining our missteps—the campaigns that didn’t land as expected, the missed opportunities for connection—we uncover insights that are essential for growth. Just as a traveler adjusts their route after encountering an obstacle, a communicator refines their strategy by learning from the past.

Moreover, reflection fosters gratitude. The Year End Compass asks us to consider, Who influenced me, and who did I influence? This relational dimension of communication reminds us that our profession is deeply human. It’s not just about metrics or deliverables but about the connections we build and the trust we earn. Gratitude for these relationships strengthens our resolve to nurture them further.

The Compass as Resolution: Charting the Future

If reflection is about understanding where we have been, resolution is about deciding where we want to go. A compass not only points north; it helps us chart a course to our destination. Similarly, the Year End Compass inspires us to set intentions, priorities, and goals for the year ahead.

For a corporate communicator, this forward-looking process is vital. In a field defined by rapid change—emerging AI technologies, shifting audience expectations, and evolving societal norms—having a clear sense of direction ensures we remain proactive rather than reactive. The Year End Compass encourages us to dream big, asking, What do I want to achieve, and how will I make a difference? This question invites us to align our professional ambitions with our values. It might mean pioneering a campaign that champions inclusivity, advocating for greater transparency in organisational messaging, or leveraging new platforms to reach untapped audiences.

Resolution also involves boundary-setting. A compass, while guiding us toward our goal, also shows us what paths to avoid—steering us away from distractions that could lead us astray. Similarly, the Year End Compass asks, What will I say no to? For communicators, this might mean declining projects misaligned with our ethical standards or choosing not to overextend ourselves in ways that compromise quality. By setting boundaries, we preserve the energy and focus needed to excel.

The Compass as a Symbol of Balance

At its core, a compass is a tool of balance. It works because of the Earth’s magnetic field, a force that aligns the compass needle to true north. Similarly, the Year End Compass reminds us to balance reflection with resolution, ensuring that our future actions are informed by the lessons of the past.

For corporate communicators, this balance is essential. We operate at the crossroads of storytelling and strategy, requiring us to constantly adapt while staying rooted in authenticity. The compass as a metaphor reinforces this duality. Reflection without resolution can lead to stagnation, while resolution without reflection risks a lack of depth and meaning. By engaging with both, we cultivate a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Sarita Bahl

Sarita Bahl is an alumnus of Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the Swedish Institute of Management Program. An experienced and versatile leader, she comes with nearly four decades of professional experience. She has over the years successfully overseen the communications and public affairs function and led the corporate social responsibility strategy for Bayer South Asia, Pfizer, and Monsanto, among others. Sarita has held multiple roles across diverse industries, the public sector, trade associations, MNCs, and the not-for-profit sector. Her areas of interest include advocacy, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and communications.

As an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and Senior Practitioner (Mentoring) from the European Council of Mentoring and Coaching (EMCC), Sarita specializes in career transition, inner engineering and life issues. Sarita enjoys writing and is passionate about animals, books, and movies.