5 Ways leaders can retain focus during the holidays
/This time of year piles several time- and energy-consuming activities on top of regular work: the holidays, year-end, quarter-end, PTO usage, and more social pressure than any other time of year. Everyone feels it inside the company. This year brings the remnants of Covid-19, along with a looming recession, inflation, inability to retain and replace key talent, supply chain disruption, consumer behavior changes, and more challenges on top of the pile.
There’s a lot going on that needs your energy and time. Plus, you want to get into the spirit of the holidays, enjoy the year-end festivities, and plan for 2023 personally too.
So what’s a leader to do? How can you lead through all of the regular responsibilities and the piles added on this year? Can it be done without burning out yourself or your teams?
Here are five ways leaders can balance the burden of meeting year- and quarter-end targets, while encouraging people to enjoy the holiday spirit and get into the spirit themselves:
1. Downsize the work holiday party. Spending big money on a Christmas party is viewed as frivolous in these post-pandemic, looming-recession days. Allocating company resources for a committee to spend time planning, setting up, and hosting a big Christmas party is not a great idea either. Donate the holiday party money instead and opt for a more relaxing recognition of year-end accomplishments. Considering that 46% of adults worry about their holiday budget, you can model responsible spending to ease the pressure for them (source).
2. Plan the rest of the year with your team. Plan what needs to get done by whom, and block the time to do it on necessary calendars. This will help everyone focus on work, whether they celebrate Christmas or not. This is not the time to give stretch assignments or to be demanding. Many people worry about balancing long work hours (35%) with their holidays, so keep the focus without adding to the pressures of the season. (source)
3. Invite reflections on goals and accomplishments. Ask people what they liked best about the year and what they look forward to in 2023. You can do this in a small meeting, and encourage your folks to do the same. The reflection can deepen bonds among people, remind people of accomplishments while they feel under pressure, and result in preparation for the new year. 72% of employees say it’s important for them to feel part of a community at work, and small group conversations like this can help (source).
4. Express appreciation for those you work closest with all year. Write notes of appreciation about the impact each person has on the company and why you are grateful for them. Nearly 1 in 3 employees don’t feel fulfilled at work, and this makes it nearly 400% likely they are looking for another job (source). Reflecting on each person in preparation of writing the notes will help you value them going forward. The notes will help them feel valued and fulfilled, which boosts self-esteem during this high-pressure time of the year. Your expressed appreciation helps with retention too.
5. Model the necessary behavior. Don’t be too demanding, but don’t totally slack off either. People are paying attention to your work more than usual right now. If you take two or three hours for a holiday lunch a few times a week, it will be acceptable for everyone to do the same. Stick with your routine, including sending emails and messages during normal business hours. Shut down early the next three Fridays, and invite everyone who can to do the same without penalty. Encourage rest by getting it yourself.
As a leader, you set the tone.
Be the leader you wish you had during the holidays as your career was evolving—and that was before a pandemic, inflation, recession, supply shortage, talent shortage occurred all at once. People need you to be that leader. Be that leader for them and for yourself.
Don’t let all of the challenges turn you into a Scrooge. You can get the year-end work done and celebrate the joy of the season.