Blog Post
How to Be a Positive Leader During the Holidays
December 1, 2024 / Category: Leadership
The holiday season can be a hectic time for leaders, filled with increased workloads, tight deadlines, and employee stress. However, you can create a harmonious and productive work environment by adopting a positive leadership approach. Read our practical tips on how to maintain a positive attitude, foster team morale, and effectively manage stress during the holiday season. Questions on how to implement this in your own unique scenario? We are always here.
For most, the holiday season is a much anticipated time of year marked by celebration and reflection. It’s an opportunity to recharge and spend quality time with loved ones before the New Year. However, for some leaders, this festive period can inadvertently turn into a season of increased stress as they grapple with year-end deadlines and planning. As a result, it’s easy for leaders to morph into the proverbial Grinch, neglecting the importance of taking a step back for the sake of their teams. The end result? Exhausted teams, reduced productivity and limited innovation, even after the holiday season ends.
If you think you are turning into that leader, here are five tips to help you preserve cheer within your team. These tips will pave the way for a more innovative and energized workforce in the long run.
1. Show Sincere Gratitude And Appreciation
As a leader, it’s important to genuinely acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team members. Take time during this holiday season to personally thank each member for their contributions and highlight their achievements. This simple act of recognition can go a long way in boosting innovation and fostering an engaging work culture. Indeed, a study conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that 93% of employees who expressed a sense of being valued affirmed their motivation to perform at their utmost potential in the workplace.
2. Be Flexible and Understanding
The holiday season means different things to different people. Some may have family obligations, while others may want to take time off for personal reasons. According to a survey, nine in 10 U.S. adults say that concerns like financial issues or missing loved ones cause more stress during the holidays than other times of the year. As a leader, it’s essential to be understanding and flexible when it comes to your team’s holiday plans. Allow them the space they need to recharge, even if it means adjusting schedules, delegating tasks or allowing for some time off. Remember, a happy and well-rested team is more likely to be innovative and productive in the long run.
3. Set Realistic Expectations About Workload
While it’s essential to maintain productivity during the holiday season, it’s also crucial to have realistic expectations for your team. Understand that this is a period of increased obligations outside of work, leading to potential dips in productivity levels. Try not to overburden your team with excessive deadlines or unrealistic goals during this time. Instead, focus on prioritizing tasks and creating a manageable workload. It will help ease the pressure and allow your team to deliver quality work without sacrificing holiday time with their loved ones. Besides, knowing how to set clear and realistic expectations is a major driver of engagement that can help you drive innovation well beyond the holiday season.
4. Share Your Vision and Goals For The New Year
As a leader, your team looks to you for guidance and direction, especially if you’ve had a tough year as an organization. However, most leaders often struggle to communicate their future vision effectively. Studies show that only two in 10 employees feel highly confident in their leaders to manage emerging challenges. During the holiday season, take time to reflect on the past year and share your vision for the upcoming year. It will help inspire your team and foster a sense of purpose that goes beyond immediate tasks or deadlines. Sharing an inspirational goal can increase motivation and drive innovation within your team as they work towards achieving that vision. It also gives your team something to look forward to when they return.
5. Permit Yourself To Unplug and Recharge
Finally, as a leader, it’s essential to lead by example. Unplugging from work and allowing yourself time to rest and recharge during the holiday season is crucial for your well-being. It also sets an important example for your team that taking time off is acceptable and necessary for maintaining a good balance. Use this time to do something that energizes you, whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones or engaging in a hobby. It will help you return to work with renewed energy and creativity, setting the tone for a more innovative and engaged workforce in the New Year.
By avoiding the temptation to be a holiday “Grinch,” you will not only enhance the spirit of the season but also pave the way for a more engaged, productive and innovative team in the upcoming year. Leadership is not just about driving outcomes but about caring for your people and setting an example that promotes a balanced work environment.
Let’s work together to create a positive and efficient work environment. Our training programs can help you motivate your team, increase productivity, and create a positive work culture. Schedule an appointment today. Find us on Instagram @ThirdlevelTeams.
