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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

After volunteering in Western North Carolina at the end of November, I'm asking everyone to remember the devastation these folks faced and the hardships they continue to endure as they work to rebuild their lives. In my latest Leading On Purpose newsletter, I share about the power of community and how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Click here to read and I hope you are inspired to take action, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word.

Dr. Troy

Recognized as Talent Retention Expert of the Year by International Association of Top Professionals, Top Business Leader by Valiant CEO Magazine, a Brainz Magazine 500 Global Award recipient, featured on The Today Show, ABC, the Global BV-TV Network, Beyond the Business Radio Show, and CEO World, Dr. Troy Hall is an award-winning talent retention consultant, international speaker, and author of the bestselling titles; Cohesion Culture: Proven Principles to Retain Your Top Talent, and Fanny Rules: A Mother’s Leadership Lessons That Never Grow Old. As the founder of Cohesion Culture™, Dr. Troy has dedicated his career to establishing a cycle of culture wellness in the corporate and professional sphere. His consulting and executive coaching engagements are built on the strategic framework of Cohesion Culture™, making the concepts of belonging, value, and shared commitment easy for organizations to adopt and implement.