As the holiday season approaches, many executives and managers find themselves navigating a complex terrain of demands. Balancing empathy and productivity becomes top priority, given the heightened personal commitments and distractions employees face. Here, I draw on 24 years in the US Special Forces to offer a field-tested approach for navigating the high-stakes weeks of the holiday season. As with any high-pressure situation, your roadmap to success involves simplifying processes, adapting to the changing environment, and fostering collaboration and communication.
Effective leaders simplify and streamline processes during the holidays
During the holiday rush, simplicity is your ally. Streamlining processes can significantly ease the stress both you and your employees feel. This involves identifying essential tasks and removing any non-critical activities that could create unnecessary complexity. Put simply, strip operations down to the essentials. Identify critical tasks and eliminate those that don’t move the needle.
Adopt a holiday mantra of prioritization over perfection. Instead of trying to maintain the usual level of operations, prioritize tasks that are crucial for achieving your end-of-year goals. Rank tasks based on their impact on the business, and focus your team’s energy on these high-priority items. This clear delineation eases pressure and ensures everyone concentrates on what truly matters.
Trim the fat. Do a thorough audit of all ongoing projects to identify any that can be paused or have their timelines extended beyond the holiday season. Unfinished or non-critical projects can often be put on hold to keep your team laser-focused on what really needs attention right now. This stripping back of tasks can make a noticeable difference in stress levels and overall productivity.
How leaders can adapt to the changing holiday environment
During the holiday season, flexibility is your watchword. This time of year invariably introduces changes and unique challenges that require an adaptive leadership approach. To steer your team effectively, be prepared to meet these head-on.
This is a time of year when team members feel pulled in two directions. In addition to their work, they need to step back and attend family gatherings or take care of personal errands. If you offer flexible work schedules or work-from-home options, you can help your team manage their workloads more effectively while keeping morale high. This flexibility demonstrates empathy and trust, reinforcing a positive work culture.
Set realistic and clearly defined short-term goals that the team can aim for. Break down big deadlines into manageable tasks and monitor progress regularly. This keeps your team focused and allows for smooth, gradual progress even amid holiday distractions.
If you see the workload on top of holiday responsibilities is a bit too much for your team, don’t hesitate to call in reinforcements. Allow temporary hires and freelancers to take on some of the load and keep mission-critical tasks moving forward.
Why holiday leadership must emphasize collaboration and communication
Effective communication is always key, but collaboration becomes even more critical during moments of stress and change, such as the holidays. Maintain clear lines of communication about the team’s goals and the role each member plays in achieving them. Open conversations about workloads, expectations, and progress help keep everyone on the same page. When everyone on the team understands the bigger picture, individual efforts naturally align with organizational objectives.
Create a feedback-friendly environment. An open feedback loop during the holidays can pinpoint areas needing additional support. Make it clear that employee input is valued and acted upon.
Despite the added pressure of the season, take time to encourage team bonding. Holiday-themed activities can do wonders for team morale. Engaging in holiday traditions like Secret Santa or a white elephant gift exchange can foster a sense of camaraderie. When employees feel like part of a cohesive unit, they’re more likely to work seamlessly together toward shared objectives.
Champion inclusive celebrations. Respect and include diverse traditions, allowing team members to share their own customs. This fosters a sense of belonging and upholds a supportive workplace culture.
It is imperative that you lead by example. Show empathy and understanding toward personal commitments and holiday stressors. This not only builds a supportive atmosphere but also enhances productivity and morale.
Remember that your team is watching you. How you handle your own work-life balance sets the tone for your team. Show that it’s okay to take breaks, spend time with family, and practice self-care. Your team will follow suit. Your job is to promote a healthy work culture that prioritizes balance.
Throughout the season, recognize and appreciate your team’s hard work. Small gestures like thank-you notes or public praise can significantly boost spirits.
Leading your team successfully through the holiday season is about balancing empathy with productivity. By simplifying processes, adapting to the holiday environment, and fostering communication and collaboration, you reduce stress and enhance outcomes.
My Special Forces experience underscores the power of people-centric leadership. Understanding, supporting, and inspiring your team — especially during the holidays — can yield remarkable results and establish a thriving, supportive workplace.
Successful holiday leadership is about hitting targets while valuing and respecting your team’s needs. A happy and engaged team is a productive one.
