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?

When people ask me about my leadership journey, I refer back to 1969. At 12 years old, my mom, aka FANNY, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We lived in a small rural town in West Virginia. Our small little town offered limited education, poor economic conditions, and we were 30 to 45 minutes from the nearest hospital or major employer.

“Sinking was never an option.”

In this week’s Cohesion Corner™ with Dr. Troy blog post, I have another excerpt from my book FANNY RULES: A Mother’s Leadership Lessons that Never Grow Old. Make sure to check out the first FANNY RULES blog post called Remember the Dent (click here to read) for the backstory on my mom, aka FANNY, and the teachable moments she imparted on me.

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.