Strategies for Engaging Teams as We Approach 2023
With the holidays now a distant memory, it's time to bid farewell to lazy mornings by the fire and nights filled with twinkling lights. The decorations have taken their leave, and the gingerbread people have been savored. As we return to reality, the post-holiday work slump can be challenging to conquer. This is a fruitful time for leaders to rally their teams and kick off the new year with a bang.
Too often, leaders are frowned upon when morale is at an all-time low. However, being a leader is a responsibility that involves stepping up and taking charge in the face of adversity. A simple, yet powerful, mantra to remember is, "Positivity is contagious."
A negative mindset can be like a poison in the workplace[4]. Employees can sense when their leader's spirit is down, leading to decreased productivity, lower morale, and a toxic work environment[3]. On the other hand, leaders who lift their team members up, encourage them, and make them feel valued will experience increased productivity and motivation. In fact, belonging is a significant factor in our overall well-being and performance[2].
One of the most critical ways to engage people and foster a positive vibe is to provide opportunities for one-on-one discussions. By taking an active interest in your employees and asking about their aspirations, fears, and current projects, you can help boost morale and create a more cohesive, motivated workforce[1].
Not only is this an easy first step to engaging teams in the new year, but it also demonstrates that employees are valuable individuals, not mere pawns in a corporate machine. In a nutshell, leaders can cultivate a positive work environment by promoting open communication, empowering employees, prioritizing wellness, offering growth opportunities, resolving conflicts effectively, celebrating successes, and practicing fair and inclusive leadership.
By following these strategies, leaders can effectively combat the post-holiday work slump, ignite inspiration, and turn the new year into a period of growth, success, and camaraderie.
Sources:
[1] Huppert, M. (2018, March 12). The hidden key to successful employee retention. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9GcOup1tOg
[2] Gaillot, J. (2021, March 10). The Psychology of Belonging in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://medium.com/pivot10result/the-psychology-of-belonging-in-the-workplace-50953309bc4a
[3] Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequences in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384-399.
[4] Forbes, D. (2018, October 23). The Negative Mindset: Poisonous in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/davekerpen/2018/10/23/the-negative-mindset-poisonous-in-the-workplace/?sh=1d280a5a4f86
[5] Walsh, R. M. (2020). Building an inclusive and positive office culture. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/rgracewalsh/status/1229154252637994121?s=20
In the face of the post-holiday work slump, leaders are encouraged to champion open dialogue with their team members to boost morale and foster a more united, motivated workforce. By taking an active interest in employees' aspirations, fears, and current projects, leaders can promote a positive work environment and ignite inspiration for a productive and successful new year.
Effective leadership in the business world involves prioritizing wellness, empowering employees, and offering growth opportunities to create a vibrant, engaging work culture. This focus on positive leadership can lead to increased productivity, stronger camaraderie, and a more harmonious work environment, ultimately contributing to overall career growth and development.
