Leading Your Team This Holiday Season - Part 2: Purpose-Driven Leadership: Guiding Your Team to a Strong Finish

In Part One of this series, we explored how gratitude can inspire and energize your team during the holiday season. By intentionally expressing appreciation, you set a tone of connection and motivation. Now, let’s build on that foundation by focusing on how purpose and strategy can drive your team to finish the year strong—without losing sight of the holiday spirit.

The Challenge of Balancing Fun with Focus

The holidays bring unique leadership challenges: How do you maintain momentum toward year-end goals while embracing the season? The key lies in leading with purpose. When your team understands the "why" behind their work, they’re naturally more motivated, aligned, and productive—even during busy periods. Ironically, starting with the WHY then eases the transition into the details, performance metrics, success, failures, etc. 

Purpose-driven leadership ensures that business goals feel meaningful, not just transactional. It’s about creating a sense of mission and turning objectives into opportunities for connection and achievement.

1. Revisit the Business Purpose

Start by reminding your team of your shared mission. The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the positive impact your business has made throughout the year.

• Share Success Stories: Highlight specific moments when your team made a difference for clients, customers, or the community. For example, recount a time when your practice went above and beyond to change a patient’s life.
• Connect Goals to Impact: Frame your year-end objectives as stepping stones toward fulfilling your larger purpose. When team members see how their daily efforts contribute to something bigger, their work feels more rewarding.

Action Tip: In next week’s  team meeting, celebrate when your core values came alive this past year. Share heartfelt stories, photos, or even testimonials from clients to reinforce your values and your purpose. 

2. Set Clear and Strategic Goals

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressures of the season. Help your team stay focused by breaking big goals into smaller, actionable steps. Our ACT Coaching method does just this! 

• Identify the top 2-3 annual goals for next year that will have the most significant impact.
• With those annual goals in mind, identify your 2025 Q1 Priorities. What must be done in Q1 in order to get off to  a great start in accomplishing those goals? 
• Simplify: Divide these priorities into weekly or daily tasks, making progress manageable and measurable.
• Communicate Clearly: Ensure everyone knows their role and responsibilities. Clear expectations reduce stress and foster accountability.

Action Tip: Host a “Purpose and Planning” meeting where you revisit your mission and outline specific steps to achieve your year-end targets as well as start calibrating on next year's goals.  

3. Empower the Team

Engage your team by giving them ownership of key tasks. Delegation not only lightens your load but also builds trust and accountability.

• Involve Them in Decisions: Ask for input on how to approach goals or improve processes. 
• Acknowledge Their Expertise: Let team members take the lead on projects that align with their strengths.

When your team feels trusted and valued, they’re more likely to go the extra mile during critical times.

Your Call to Action

This week, take the time to host a “Purpose and Planning” meeting with your team. Use it as a platform to celebrate your shared mission, outline strategic goals, share your goals for next year, and empower your team to help you drive results.

Remember, purpose-driven leadership isn’t just about hitting targets—it’s about inspiring your team to find meaning in their work. By aligning your strategy with your values, you’ll create a workplace that thrives during the holidays and beyond.

Stay tuned for Part Three, where we’ll dive into how to create a culture of balance and well-being during the holiday rush.

Here’s to leading with purpose and finishing the year strong!