Leading with Care: Festive Wellbeing Tips for You and Your Team

The festive season is a time of celebration—but for leaders and their teams, it can also bring stress, burnout, and a mad dash to finish the year strong. As we approach the holidays, let's focus on how leaders can model self-care, prioritise team wellbeing, and finish the year feeling connected and recharged.

This special festive edition of Leadership Matters is packed with actionable tips to help you and your team thrive, not just survive, during December.

1. For You: Self-Care as a Leader

• Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate your availability and encourage your team to do the same.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Take stock of the year's achievements, no matter how small—they all add up.
• Embrace Imperfection: Leadership doesn't require perfection; it requires presence.

Quick Tip: Schedule "white space" in your calendar for downtime. Even 15 minutes of reflection can make a difference.

2. For Your Team: Avoiding Burnout

• Flexibility First: Offer options like hybrid schedules or adjusted deadlines where possible.
• Create Moments of Gratitude: Host a quick team meeting to acknowledge everyone's hard work and highlight shared wins.
• Encourage Breaks: Remind your team that stepping away from the desk is not only okay—it's productive.

Quick Tip: Share a wellbeing resource, like a mindfulness app or a short webinar, as a small festive gift.

3. Reflection: What Will You Let Go of in 2024?

The end of the year is the perfect time to reflect. As a leader, think about:

• Practices or habits that no longer serve you or your team.
• Assumptions you've been carrying that need to be challenged.
• Stressors you can release to make space for innovation and growth.

Quick Tip: Lead by example—share one thing you plan to let go of and invite your team to do the same.

4. Festive Cheer: It's Just One Day

The pressure to "get everything done" before the Christmas break can feel overwhelming. Remind yourself and your team that December 25 (or your holiday of choice) is just one day of the year.

• Focus on connection over perfection.
• Encourage everyone to log off, disconnect, and recharge fully.
• Spread kindness and cheer—it's contagious!

Quick Tip: Share a fun, light-hearted activity with your team, like a festive quiz or a "gratitude tree" where everyone writes something they're thankful for.

Final Note:

As we wrap up the year, let's remember: great leadership is about showing care, creating balance, and fostering connection. The best gift you can give yourself and your team this season is the gift of wellbeing.

Here's to a joyful, mindful festive season—and an incredible year ahead.

CTA: What's one wellbeing practice you'll commit to this December? Share your ideas—I'd love to hear them!