One thing I really miss about living in Jamaica are the Christmas parties! Organizations go all out to have the most fun, exciting and rip-roaring events, literally vying to be the talk of the town! Team members dress to the nines in their finest, the food is great, the speeches minimal and there is always a dance floor and a top DJ jamming the greatest hits in reggae, soca, dance hall and of course everyone’s favourite oldies from way back when.
But Christmas office parties are not just a Jamaican/Caribbean thing – I have been to a few here in Toronto as well, that are lots of fun. However your organization celebrates the holiday season, as a leader, you will find yourself having to balance the joy of partying hearty, with work responsibilities the next day – and repeating this quite a few times until the season ends for you will be invited to other parties too. But fear not, you can reach a joyful equilibrium that allows you to celebrate the season while steering the ship of organization success, because business must go on! Here are 3 tips on how you can manage this busy time:
1. Be inclusive:
Allow your team members to plan your office festivities – many of my clients delegate this to their Staff Social Committee, so that all they have to do is turn up! They know what the team wants. Just give them a budget and watch their magic unfold!
Remember that inclusivity extends to your guest list – this is a great time to invite valued clients, loyal suppliers and supportive partners. Make sure that you guide the guest list so that the right people are on it.
2. Prioritize:
The key to balancing work and holiday joy lies in being very clear on priorities. Identify critical work tasks and deadlines, and delegate responsibilities effectively. Be clear about expectations and empower your team to take charge and make their own decisions about getting the work done. By streamlining priorities, you create the space needed to fully embrace the festive spirit without compromising on work efficiency and results. And prioritise the parties you attend, how much spirit you imbibe, and what time you leave – try not to scrimp on sleep. You need to wake up each morning, rested (as best as possible considering the night before) and energised to work.
3. Be Flexible:
Allow for flexible work hours or remote work options when possible. Recognize that different team members may have varying traditions and commitments during the holiday season. By embracing flexibility, you respect individual needs and enable everyone to enjoy the festivities on their terms.
One thing to consider is how to keep the joy of the season going after December into the new year. Set intentions for a positive and fulfilling work environment, where joy is not reserved for holidays but becomes a constant companion in organisational success. And most importantly? Set joy as a priority in how you lead in the upcoming year.
Remember that joy and performance are not mutually inclusive. Indeed, people work better when they are joyful and in a culture that promotes and celebrates joy. View the holiday season as a way to kickstart or expand this throughout the coming year.
