Warning: Holiday Meltdowns on the Horizon!
‘Tis the season for meltdowns. My pastor father used to call this “the heavy season.” This is when people who already have issues are thrust into unwanted ‘merriment’ that only serves to deepen their depression and despair.
Some of your employees love the holidays. They are social types who thrive on the fun of putting on parties, exchanging gifts, decorating the office, and changing up the music a bit.
Other employees are only reminded of lost loved ones, of bad family reunions, and of their feelings of disconnect.
Your challenge as a manager is to allow for both types to live and work in harmony over the next six weeks. Putting the kebosh on all parties and merriment will only serve to create more grinches. The last thing you want to do is demotivate your happy folks.
There is wisdom in having employees let down their hair once in awhile. The informality and fun of holidays and celebration help them bond with each other and with you. (Of course, there’s always the caveat about not getting too merry! Holiday parties have sabotaged many a career!)
Yet, you don’t want to make the merriment mandatory. There needs to be room for people who struggle with the holidays to observe them in their own way.
Holidays are generally good for the soul. They give us a break from the everyday, predictable dramas of our lives. At the end of the winter holidays, we have a feeling of starting fresh: new horizons, new ideas, new goals. Give every type in your office (and your circle of friends) the space to go through these next six weeks at their own pace.
Beth
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Beth Terry, CSP, is a Professional Speaker and Author who will come to YOUR office and help everyone handle the stresses of the holidays.
© 2007 Beth Terry Seminars, Inc.
