Dear leaders,
Let's talk about something real - the December rush.
You know that feeling: year-end deadlines, holiday preparations, 2025 planning... and trying to keep your team (and yourself) energized through it all.
What I'm Seeing in My Coaching Sessions
Leaders are sharing the same challenges:
"I feel pulled in every direction"
"My team is exhausted"
"I'm struggling to stay present"
You're not alone.
The Science Behind the Stress
Research shows some interesting things about leadership during intense periods:
Our decision-making changes under pressure
Team energy mirrors leadership energy
Small moments of connection matter more than ever
What Actually Works
From my work with leaders who navigate this beautifully:
Start Your Day Your Way
Not with emails.
Not with fires to put out.
Take a breath.
Have your coffee.
Center yourself.
Everything flows from this quiet moment.
Read Your Team
Notice the small things:
The usually energetic team member who's suddenly quiet
The changes in meeting dynamics
The unspoken stress signals
Trust Your Gut
When something feels off:
Pause
Ask questions
Listen deeply
Then decide
A Story Worth Sharing
One of my clients used to pride herself on "powering through" December. Her team delivered, but by January, everyone was burnt out.
This year, she tried something different:
More micro-breaks
Deeper listening
Permission to pace
The result?
Better work.
Stronger team.
And actually enjoying the season.
Simple Things That Make a Difference
☕ Take that coffee break
🚶♀️ Walk and talk meetings
🎧 Music between meetings
💡 Buffer time for thinking
❤️ Real conversations
Looking Forward
As we move toward 2026, ask yourself:
What energizes you as a leader?
How do you want your team to feel?
What could make high-pressure times feel more manageable?
Here's to leading with heart, even in the busiest times.
Warmly,
Melissa