How to keep your team focused in the final month of the year
Listen here
First of all, create a clear finish line of what needs to happen. Revisit goals and highlight what must be completed against what can roll into January. In terms of bigger goals, translate these into small, winnable weekly milestones. Similarly, share a simple “December priorities” list so everyone sees the same targets.
Keep the team spirit high, and celebrate achievements…close the year by reminding the team of what they’ve already accomplished. Give quick, specific shout-outs in meetings and remind of priorities where needed. Consider a “Wins of the Year” board to keep morale high when energy dips. Minimise meetings, especially long planning sessions that can wait until January. Celebrate weekly wins, fun incentives, free coffee for the day, thirty minutes early finish etc. Remind everyone that a strong December finish helps start January in a smoother fashion.
December can become a fragmented month, particularly with holidays, so rebalance work before crunch time begins. Set realistic expectations and avoid any new major initiatives in the final weeks. Where needed, adjust expectations of what needs finishing.
Communication becomes ever more important, as focus slips! Provide quick catch ups: “What’s blocking you? What’s your win for the week?”. Share holiday schedules early so the team can plan around absences. Have one focus…This is what we need by year-end, and here’s why.”
Be emotionally present! We know that December can be stressful…acknowledge it openly, and encourage flexible schedules when possible. Consider sharing moments of connection: a fun retrospective look back…a low-effort team activity, and a mutual round of appreciation amongst the team!
Finally, end the year with purpose….What has worked? What should we stop? Start etc. Invite input on Q1 priorities so the team feels ownership, not surprise, in January. Finally share an inspiring message about how their work this month contributes to the bigger mission
“Encouragement can turn a good team into a great one.”
