The holiday season is often a time for rest, joy, and togetherness. For leaders, however, it’s also a unique opportunity to recharge and recalibrate for the coming year. While this time of year brings relaxation, high-performing leaders can leverage the holiday season to foster personal well-being, enhance professional growth, and set a foundation for success. A strategic approach to the holidays can yield long-term benefits not just for individual leaders, but for their entire organizations. In this article, we’ll explore five practical ways to make the holiday season a period of rejuvenation and meaningful growth.
1. Minimize Waste to Enhance Sustainability
In CHAMP Global Leadership Consulting, as we seek to mainstream a culture of peak performance across Africa, we know sustainability is key and being mindful of our collective contribution to global warming is of great importance to us.
The holiday season sees a surge in waste, with consumerism often at its peak. In the U.S., Stanford University reports that Americans discard 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, amounting to an additional 25 million tons of garbage. Much of this waste, from gift wrap to holiday decorations, ends up in landfills, exacerbating environmental issues. For example, the amount of gift ribbon discarded each year could wrap around the Earth nearly 40 times.
In the UK, about six million Christmas trees and two million turkeys go to waste annually. These discarded items contribute significantly to greenhouse gases. A single two-meter Christmas tree can produce 16 kilograms of CO₂ when it decomposes. Wasteful practices during the holiday season contribute to climate change—a challenge that today’s leaders must address urgently.
Leaders can lead by example, minimizing waste in their personal lives and encouraging sustainable practices within their organizations. This could mean reusing or recycling decorations, opting for eco-friendly gift wrapping, and focusing on experiences rather than material gifts. By promoting sustainability during the holidays, leaders send a powerful message that extends beyond the season, reinforcing a year-round commitment to environmental responsibility.
2. Practice Gratitude to Boost Morale
Expressing gratitude has far-reaching benefits for mental health and workplace morale. The holiday season is an ideal time for leaders to reflect on the past year, acknowledging personal and professional achievements. Simple gestures of appreciation—such as handwritten notes, small gifts, or even personal messages—can strengthen relationships and foster a culture of respect and recognition.
Research from the Harvard Business Review reveals that employees who feel appreciated by their managers tend to perform better and are more engaged. In a study by Adam Grant and Francesca Gino, fundraisers who received a gratitude note from their manager made 50% more calls than those who did not. Leaders can create similar effects by expressing genuine appreciation for their teams during the holidays. When people feel recognized, they’re more likely to remain loyal, motivated, and productive in the year ahead.
3. Strengthen Connections with Key Relationships
As the saying goes, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” This time of year is an opportunity to nurture the relationships that matter most, both personally and professionally. Building strong connections with supportive and inspiring individuals—whether they’re mentors, family members, or close colleagues—can greatly impact one’s growth and success.
Rather than solely focusing on material gifts, leaders can prioritize spending meaningful time with these individuals. In today’s fast-paced world, giving undivided attention to loved ones is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. According to leadership expert Jim Rohn, the company you keep can shape your mindset and motivate you to reach new heights.
For leaders, this can also include team-building activities in a relaxed, informal setting. By connecting with team members outside the office, leaders can foster camaraderie and trust. Meaningful interactions build rapport and create lasting memories, which translates to a stronger, more cohesive team. When leaders return to work, they’re more likely to feel rejuvenated and supported, helping them to approach the new year with a positive outlook.
4. Reflect on the Future and Set Clear Goals
The holiday season offers a break from the usual routine, providing an ideal setting for reflection. Taking the time to assess personal and professional achievements from the past year can provide insights for future growth. Studies show that people who set goals are 10 times more likely to succeed than those who don’t, making goal-setting an essential exercise during this period.
Leaders can use this downtime to create a vision for the upcoming year. This might include setting clear, achievable goals, such as completing a new professional certification, improving workplace culture, or increasing team productivity. Specific, measurable goals act as a roadmap, helping leaders stay focused and motivated throughout the year. Unlike fleeting New Year’s resolutions, strategic goal-setting is grounded in actionable steps that yield meaningful results.
To maximize effectiveness, consider dividing larger goals into manageable milestones. For instance, if a leader’s goal is to improve their public speaking skills, they might set smaller objectives, like enrolling in a communication course, practicing with a mentor, and committing to speaking engagements. These steps create a clear path toward achieving broader aspirations.
5. Invest in Personal Development with a Coach
For leaders looking to elevate their performance, working with a coach can be transformative. Having an accountability partner can help keep goals on track, provide new perspectives, and offer constructive feedback. According to the International Coach Federation (ICF), 70% of people who receive coaching report improvements in work performance, communication skills, and goal achievement.
Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University, conducted research showing that people who wrote down their goals and shared their progress with a friend achieved their goals 76% of the time. A coach provides a similar accountability mechanism but with added professional insight. They can help leaders navigate challenges, enhance skills, and develop strategic plans that align with their vision.
Coaching can be particularly beneficial during the holiday season, as leaders prepare for the demands of the new year. A coach can guide leaders through an introspective process to identify areas for growth, setting the foundation for a productive year ahead.
Creating a Balanced, Strategic Holiday Season
While the holiday season is often associated with relaxation and festivities, it can also be a time for intentional growth and planning. By making mindful decisions—such as minimizing waste, expressing gratitude, strengthening relationships, reflecting on goals, and working with a coach—leaders can set themselves up for success in the new year.
Balancing rest and productivity is key. While it’s important to enjoy quality time with family and friends, strategic use of downtime can yield substantial benefits. Leaders who approach the holiday season with intention not only recharge personally, but they also strengthen the foundation for a successful year.
As we look ahead to the coming year, consider incorporating these strategies into your holiday plans. By maximizing this season with purpose and vision, leaders can achieve a well-rounded approach to personal and professional growth. With the right balance, the holiday season can become a powerful tool in fostering resilience, peak performance, and lasting success in the year to come.
About Dr. Abiola Salami
Dr. Abiola Salami is the Convener of Dr Abiola Salami International Leadership Bootcamp ; The Peak PerformerTM Festival and The New Year Kickoff Summit. He is the Principal Performance Strategist at CHAMP – a full scale professional services firm trusted by high performing business leaders for providing Executive Coaching, Workforce Development & Advisory Services to improve performance. You can reach his team on hello@abiolachamp.com and connect with him @abiolachamp on all social media platforms.
