Leading Through the Holidays
As the year winds down and the holiday season is in full swing, many employees face a mix of emotions in the workplace. Some might feel a sense of joy and celebration, while others may struggle with grief or stress. This time of year can leave teams checked out, distracted, or simply exhausted. Yet, it also presents a unique opportunity for leaders to inspire action, create connection, and begin laying the groundwork for 2025.
According to the Institute for Corporate Productivity, around 62% of organizations report a noticeable drop in productivity during the holiday season, indicating a substantial dip in work output during the final stretch of the year.
How can leaders ensure this season isn't a lull, but a springboard for aspiration and achievement?
Aspiration Versus Inspiration
At its core, influence thinking requires trust and collaboration. Leaders must create a culture where individuals feel they belong (included) and are valued (meaningful work), an environment that motivates employees to commit to goals important both to themselves and to the organization.
Here’s the key: inspiration and aspiration aren’t the same.
- Inspiration stimulates action - it’s an emotional response.
- Aspiration drives purposeful effort - it’s grounded in the belief that achieving something greater than oneself is possible.
When leaders focus on causing aspiration rather than inspiration, they empower teams to strive for meaningful outcomes and see themselves as active contributors to success.
How Leaders Build Aspiration
Influential leaders go beyond delivering a vision. They enable teams to connect with the vision on a personal level. Here are a few ways leaders can cultivate aspiration. For the season, it is your ELF path to aspiration:
- Encourage Growth: Push team members (gently) to explore new approaches and see possibilities beyond their current reality. Create a safe space for them to test, learn, and grow.
- Listen to Unlock Barriers: Understand the challenges your team faces and proactively address them before they become an issue. Resources, processes, or mindsets that block progress must be tackled head-on, yet in a way that takes care of everyone involved. Don't feel obligated to resolve every struggle they may share with you unless that is their desired outcome. It takes a good deal of emotional intelligence when listening to someone talk about what's stopping them to know the difference between they are seeking a solution or simply wanting someone to listen.
- Foster Belonging: Outwardly demonstrate confidence in your team’s abilities. A culture of encouragement ensures employees feel seen, heard, and valued.
These actions are part of the leadership steps one can take to infuse cohesion into their culture where belonging, value, and shared commitment drive sustained success.
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” - Paulo Coelho
Looking Ahead to 2025
The holidays are also a time for reflection and planning. Take this moment to help your team focus on what’s possible in the year ahead. Encourage them to think beyond the immediate and consider how their efforts tie into larger aspirations.
Your leadership today can be the catalyst that turns end-of-year distractions into a launchpad for future growth.
As you wrap up 2024, remember: aspiration is about helping others see that the dream is attainable. That’s how leaders create lasting impact, not only during the holidays but every day.
What aspirations do you have for your team in 2025? Share your reflections in the comments. I'd love to hear how you're inspiring action and creating belonging this holiday season!
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