How to Keep Your Team on Track During the Holidays
Between holidays, family vacations, and parties it is difficult to stay on track during the last two months of the year. It’s even harder to lead a team full of distracted employees, complete those end of the year projects, and set up for the new year. The following are five ways you can help ensure your end of the year is as productive as it can be.
Create “must-do” lists
Some things are going to slide this month, make sure the very important things don’t. Ensure every department knows the things that absolutely have to be done. Setting clear expectations will keep the details from getting blurred or left out.
Set ambitious goals
There’s nothing like a new challenge to get a group of people moving quickly. Pick a goal that seems too hard to reach and name a specific and thrilling prize for completing it. Make the Christmas party drinks on the house or give everyone an extra PTO day. Finding new ways to motivate your team is the fastest way to inject new energy in the group.
Celebrate with your employees
This may seem counter-intuitive but give your team the space to be excited and to celebrate. Don’t be overly harsh in saying “get back to to work” and not allowing the fun attitudes of the season play out in the office. Allow for the potluck lunch and gift exchange, maybe even a few fun intentional distractions. Frame the fun as celebrating all the hard work everyone has done throughout the year. Your team will be thankful of the acknowledgement, they’ll get the celebrating out of their system, and be ready to focus on work.
Recognize the successful year
The end of the year is a time that your team expects to be recognized for their work throughout the year. Hold an end of the year dinner, give out bonuses, or buy everyone a turkey for their Christmas dinner. Whatever you decide to do, make a point to acknowledge every team member’s contribution to the company’s success.
Lead by example
This may seem obvious, but it’s important. If you’re seen being sidetracked, how can your team be expected to not follow suit? Strong leadership earns the respect of their team by expecting more of themselves than anyone else.