The holiday season can bring joy and celebration, but for leaders, it often comes with added stress. Balancing end-of-year deadlines, festive obligations, and personal holiday expectations can create a perfect storm of stress and pressure. Leaders face unique challenges, from managing team productivity during holiday absences to maintaining morale while trying to deliver results. On top of this, many seek to create a perfect holiday experience for those around you. That’s a lot! Without a clear plan and realistic expectations, the season can quickly become overwhelming.

This week, I’m sharing actionable strategies to help leaders enjoy the holiday season while staying productive. By planning ahead, setting boundaries, and embracing realistic expectations, leaders can reduce stress for themselves and their teams. With the right approach, the holidays can be a time of connection and celebration without sacrificing holiday traditions and professional obligations.

Key Questions Discussed In the Podcast

How can leaders balance holiday festivities with end-of-year productivity and deadlines?
What strategies can help leaders reduce personal holiday stress while supporting their teams?
How can leaders plan ahead to ensure a joyful and manageable holiday season for their organizations, their family, and themselves?

Resources:

How to Keep the 'Happy' in the Holidays, UCI Health, October 28, 2024

Holiday Stress and the Brain, Harvard Medical School, Winter 2016

Employee Gifting:

Goody or Choose Your Gift

Outsource Holiday Tasks:

Task Rabbit or Thumbtack

Executive Coaching to decrease stress in your work life in 2025:

Amy@swim-against.com

How to Decrease Holiday Stress as a Leader

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