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?

As we approach the final months of the year, Cohesive Leaders know that productivity doesn't end with the holiday season on the horizon. Rather than viewing these months as a time to slow down, effective leaders leverage this period to strengthen their teams and maintain momentum.

I'm not making a case for working so hard you can't enjoy the holidays. This is certainly a time for family, thankfulness, and holiday spirit. However, for leaders, it's an opportunity to finish the year strong by aligning with team goals, keeping the energy high, and setting the stage for a successful new year.

How we end this year can significantly impact how we begin the next.

Leaders face tough decisions daily. Sometimes those choices won't win them popularity contests but are necessary for the organization's long-term success.

History is filled with examples of leaders who made tough, unpopular decisions that ultimately proved to be the right call. Take Steve Jobs, for instance. When he returned to Apple in 1997, the company was struggling, and Jobs made the controversial decision to streamline Apple's product line, cutting over 70% of existing products. This decision was not well-received initially, but it refocused the company and paved the way for innovations like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone, transforming Apple into the powerhouse it is today.

Throughout my life, some stories stand out for their inspiration. The following story, an excerpt from my book Fanny Rules: A Mother’s Leadership Lessons that Never Grow Old, is one of those stories.

Motivation and systems play a vital role in achieving personal and professional goal success. Understanding how motivation works and the types of motivation that provides stimuli for me and others that I lead is critical to leadership success.