With the year quickly coming to a end, we are right in the heat of what I call "Crazy Season". Many are in the throes of preparing for end of the year holidays, the list of social engagements increases exponentially, last-minute travel plans are being made. Many celebrations involve gift-giving, sending many people into frantic shopping mode. Others, like me, are scrambling to meet mailing deadlines are fast approaching.
The work environment is not immune to "Crazy Season" vibes, far from it. People suddenly remember promises they made earlier in the year and embark on frenzied missions to finish 3 months of work in 3 weeks. The phrase, "lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part", comes to mind. As leaders we've got plenty on our plates without other folks drumming up additional work for us. We're juggling out of office calendars for our team, balancing the need to ensure the team gets the break they need while maintaining the appropriate level of coverage. We're chasing down those straggling expense reports to ensure they get approved in time for year-end finance deadlines. We're pinging folks to remind them to get their annual training completed.
Many of us are knee-deep in performance evaluation season. Collecting feedback and weaving that information into narratives that praise folks for jobs well done while finding constructive ways to encourage them to focus on their growth areas in the coming year.
Then, there's the curveball that comes out of nowhere. The curveball is different every year. I never know when it's going to show up or what form it will take, but it happens every. single. year. If yours hasn't turned up yet this year, I encourage you to build a buffer into your calendar to account for it. Just last week, I lost 3 hours apiece to three separate curveballs. The unplanned work started Monday morning and I'm still recovering from the hit to my critical to-do list.
During crazy season, it's especially important to be mindful of how we are showing up for ourselves and with others. I'm always striving to show up in a way that doesn't add to people's burden (including my own), but this time of year I give it extra attention.
Some things to keep in mind as the year comes to a close (or any time of the year, really):
- Identifying Priorities - It is uncomfortable to let balls drop on the floor, but during seasons like this, it's inevitable. With some notable exceptions, most folks are not in life-or-death situations. When I'm in triage mode, I start by asking myself if anyone is going to die if I don't complete X. In my line of work that answer is no. Next up, is anyone on my team going to lose their job if I don't do Y. Also no. Starting there helps me gain perspective amid a deluge of competing demands.
- Setting Boundaries - Get clear on your boundaries. One of my hard and fast boundaries is taking the time off to end the year. This has become my sacred time that shall not be touched. It is crucial for my sanity and my productivity. I spend time with family, I spend time reading, I spend time crafting...activities critical for re-setting and being able to jump into the new year at full strength.
- Modifying Expectations - Once you've clarified your priorities and boundaries, be sure to engage in expectation setting activities. Using my time off example, this looks like blocking off my calendar, communicating my availability to my team, arranging for someone to cover critical activities and letting folks know who to reach out to if something comes up while I'm away.
- Breathe - Breathe in...breathe out. Repeat as many times as necessary.
- Taking Care of Yourself - Now that you've taken a few breaths, pause to remember what you need. With so many external demands on your time and attention this season, it's more essential than ever to keep your own personal needs and priorities front and center.
Are you setting realistic year-end expectations for yourself and for your team? What items can be pushed into next year? Are you taking a minute to breathe? Are you encouraging your team to breathe?
I'd love to hear from you. Please comment below or send me a note via the Connect section of the home page.
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