As a leader, you might need to redirect the Emotional Intelligence you reserved for family members over the Holiday Season. Put yourself in your colleagues’ shoes: the holiday glow has worn off, they have overspent their budgets and school fees are due. So, start by acknowledging the reality and manage your expectations accordingly. Your team may simply not be as productive in mid-January as they will be in mid-June. Being grumpy about it won’t help.
Don’t contribute to any prevailing negativity by your behaviour and outlook. In many ways, January is a month in which good leaders really can make a difference. Sometimes people feel down because they’re unclear on the priorities for the business and the kind of contribution they are expected to make. Schedule those one-on-one check-ins, as an unexpected chat with the boss can often produce a little lift. Use the opportunity to clear up any lingering misunderstandings.
Line managers should also be on the front foot. Ask team members how they’re feeling, whether they’re clear about tasking and whether their workload is OK. Look for early good news to share to create a more upbeat atmosphere. This is a great time to praise people for their work and acknowledge the progress they’re making. Encourage people to reflect on and celebrate their successes. Invite them to share their ambitions for the year.
January is also an ideal time to publicise the resources available to your employees, such as wellness initiatives, mental health support or financial advice. To perk up spirits, consider offering a well-being day. Or perhaps you could give them a surprise half-day off on the third Friday!
Experience shows that if you help good people through difficult times, you’re more likely to keep them. And, while January isn't a time of crisis, most people struggle to get through it. Almost all employee engagement research reveals that half of employees with ineffective managers are planning to leave within the next 12 months. Those journeys usually begin in January, so why not derail them by going out of your way to remind colleagues of the value of working for your brand and organisation? It could save you some pain in the Spring!
Chris Harrison leads The Brand Inside
www.thebrandinsideafrica.com
