Leading A Team During The Holidays

 Are you singing loudly “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” right now? Or are you stressing over everything that needs to be done before the end of the year?

Leading a team during the holidays can turn anyone into a grinch, but here are four of my favorite end of the year tips to keep you joyful, hopeful, and productive.

 It’s okay if “Ho, ho ho” sounds like “No, no no”. Extra business deadlines and extra out-of-work obligations can wear you out and wear you and your team thin. Instead of saying yes to every activity and project that comes your way, be realistic. Focus on what is most important for you and your team to complete and say no to everything else. You and your team will feel rested and ready to go after the holidays are over to get all those non time sensitive projects complete.

Spread that holiday cheer! Celebrate the year’s accomplishments loudly and often. Give specific examples of how your team has excelled over the last year and remind them how much you are looking forward to the following year’s successes.

Be like Rudolph and lead the way! While holiday festivities are important, the holiday season can lead to some serious workplace procrastination and slacking off. Set an example for your team at the kind of work ethic you expect to see in them and get involved. Is your workload light? Pitch in and help employees with their project list. Reward your team for their dedication by bringing in holiday treats, offering early finishes, and shout outs with glee.

Give the gift of time. Recognize that your team may have family vacations planned and let them enjoy it. Respect their time off, encourage them to turn their phones off and set their emails to away. Make sure you follow your own advice and enjoy your time off too. Silent night should be silent day too, at least when we’re talking about that work cell phone!

Holidays are stressful but for your business, they don’t have to be. Make a priority list (check it twice), keep work ethic and the joyful spirits of your entire team high, and most importantly, take some time to really enjoy the gift of the holidays. 

Best, 

Manal