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.

It's about striking the right balance: staying productive without losing sight of the personal connections that make this season so special.

I've shared before about Time Wasters, but I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you of some that could lead to you and your team losing productivity in these last months of 2024.

Here are some strategies that cohesive leaders use to keep the energy high and productivity strong as the year winds down:

1️⃣ Declutter for Clearer Thinking

A cluttered desk can signal a cluttered mind. As projects and tasks accumulate, leaders sometimes overlook the impact of a streamlined workspace on their productivity. The end of the year provides an opportunity to declutter and reorganize, which has a significant effect on mental clarity and efficiency. Tips for staying organized:

• Handle each document only once by choosing to file, pitch, or delegate it.
• Set up an accessible information system and clear your workspace of unnecessary materials, allowing only current project files on your desk.

By reducing clutter, cohesive leaders set an example for their teams to prioritize organization and focus, fostering an environment of clear-headed productivity.

2️⃣ Embrace Proactive Management over Crisis Management

The holiday season often brings unexpected changes or stressors, but a cohesive leader shifts from a crisis management approach to proactive planning. By anticipating potential challenges and aligning key individuals to handle specific tasks, leaders create a more resilient structure:

• Develop a well-defined operational plan that anticipates potential obstacles.
• Delegate authority, empowering team members to make decisions that prevent crises.

These proactive steps not only prevent the onset of crises but also establish an organizational culture where everyone is equipped to tackle challenges before they arise.

3️⃣ Curb Excessive Socializing to Maximize Focus

While team cohesion benefits from camaraderie, too much socializing can hinder productivity, especially during a period when projects may be reaching critical milestones. Leaders can set time limits on informal conversations, maintaining focus on key priorities:

• Schedule specific times for team interactions and stick to those boundaries.
• Be selective in engaging with activities that directly align with work objectives.

This approach ensures that social time doesn’t derail productivity, striking a balance between team-building and work-focused engagement.

4️⃣ Overcome the Inability to Say No

Leaders often find themselves pulled in many directions as they seek to support and collaborate with their teams. However, effective leaders recognize the importance of prioritizing commitments, especially during a period when time is valuable. Learning to say "no" becomes essential:

• Set clear daily and long-term priorities.
• Honestly evaluate time limitations and communicate them to the team.

By being intentional with their time, cohesive leaders maintain energy and ensure they are fully present for their most important tasks.

5️⃣ Maintain a Written Plan

Productivity is enhanced with a clear plan, and cohesive leaders understand that having written goals ensures team alignment and accountability. Especially as the end of the year approaches, a written plan helps leaders and their teams stay on course:

• Develop and share a long-term plan that aligns with team values and project goals.
• Track progress on these goals and adjust based on real-time needs.

When priorities are documented and visible, everyone is more likely to stay engaged and motivated, leading to a strong finish for the year.

Finish the Year on a High-Note

The last few months are an opportunity for cohesive leaders to demonstrate purpose, resilience, and proactive productivity. Leaders who effectively manage their time, keep workspaces organized, limit distractions, and clarify team priorities can guide their teams through the year’s end with focus and energy. By making these final months productive, leaders set the stage for a strong start in the new year and reinforce the cohesion that holds their teams together.

How are you closing out the year as a cohesive leader? Share your insights in the comments!

Click here to subscribe to Cohesion Corner™ with Dr. Troy so you never miss a newsletter.

To learn more, click here to purchase your very own copy of my book Cohesion Culture: Proven Principles to Retain Your Top Talent.

For more insight on this topic, please refer to these blog posts:

• Removing the MASK in Leadership
• Creating a Great Pumpkin Face
• Are You the Product of Your Own Thoughts?
• Toxicity is the Silent Culture Killer

Interested in reading more from Dr. Troy Hall? Check out my books available for purchase on Amazon.