Lead by Example This Christmas & Take a Break

It’s tempting to feel like you should always be “on.” There’s always another email to reply to, another decision to make, and another opportunity to chase. Even at Christmas, when most people are winding down, it can feel unnatural to step back and truly switch off.

But here’s something to consider:

Taking a break isn’t just good for you – it’s good for your leadership too.

Christmas presents a unique opportunity to reset, reflect, and recharge. It’s a chance to show your team (and yourself) that rest isn’t a sign of weakness but a foundation for sustainable success. By switching off, you create the mental clarity, energy, and resilience needed to lead effectively in the new year.

Why Leaders Struggle to Switch Off

The struggle to disconnect during the holidays often comes from a fear of falling behind. Leaders may worry about being seen as less committed or fear that something critical will go wrong without their input.

The constant pressure to perform can make rest feel indulgent, especially when you’re responsible for a team or organisation. But the reality is that trying to do it all, all the time, isn’t sustainable.

Studies consistently show that rest boosts creativity, improves decision-making, and reduces stress – all essential qualities for strong leadership. Without it, leaders risk burnout, fatigue, and diminished effectiveness – something no team benefits from.

How to Lead by Example This Christmas

Leadership isn’t just about making big decisions or working harder than anyone else; it’s about setting the tone. Your actions influence how your team perceives and values their own time. If you’re always glued to your laptop or answering emails at all hours, they’ll feel compelled to do the same.

Here’s how you can embrace the festive season and inspire your team to prioritise their wellbeing too.

1. Set Clear Boundaries

Communicate your availability over the Christmas period and stick to it. Whether it’s putting an out-of-office message on your email or letting your team know which days you’ll be unreachable, being upfront about your boundaries sends a strong message: it’s okay to step back.

By respecting your own downtime, you also encourage your team to take their own rest seriously. This creates a culture where wellbeing is valued, not sidelined.

One idea is to schedule a team meeting before the holidays to set expectations. Encourage everyone to share their own boundaries and discuss how to support each other in sticking to them. This simple step can make a huge difference in ensuring everyone feels empowered to switch off.

2. Plan for a Smooth Switch-Off

Taking a proper break doesn’t mean abandoning your responsibilities—it just requires a little preparation. Delegate tasks, automate recurring processes, and ensure your team knows how to handle potential challenges without you.

Trusting your team to manage things in your absence not only frees you up to relax but also empowers them to grow and make decisions independently.

Consider asking your team:

• What processes can we simplify or automate before the holidays?
• Who will be the point of contact for urgent matters?
• Are there any projects we can pause until the new year?

By addressing these questions, you’ll reduce last-minute stress and set everyone up for a peaceful holiday season.

3. Embrace Being Present

Whether you’re spending Christmas with family, friends, or enjoying some solo time, being fully present in the moment is the greatest gift you can give yourself and others.

Put the work phone down, avoid checking emails, and immerse yourself in whatever brings you joy—whether it’s a festive movie, a long walk, or simply catching up with loved ones.

Being present doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities; it means recognising that your attention and energy are finite resources. Protecting those resources during the holidays will help you return to work feeling recharged and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

4. Reframe Rest as a Leadership Strategy

Leaders often feel guilty about taking time off, as though it signals a lack of dedication. But the truth is that rest is a leadership strategy. When you’re well-rested, you make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and handle challenges with greater ease.

By modelling this behaviour, you’re showing your team that looking after yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Consider sharing your plans to rest with your team. A quick message like, “I’m logging off for the holidays to recharge and come back ready for the new year—I hope you all do the same!” can normalise the idea of rest and encourage others to follow suit.

Why This Matters for Your Team

The benefits of switching off over Christmas don’t just apply to you – they ripple out to your team and organisation. Here’s how:

• Clarity: Time away from day-to-day demands helps you think more strategically about the year ahead.
• Energy: Rested leaders bring renewed focus and energy to their teams.
• Morale: When leaders set boundaries, it encourages others to do the same, improving overall wellbeing and productivity.

When your team sees you embracing rest, they’re more likely to feel comfortable doing the same. This creates a healthier work culture where people feel valued for their contributions rather than their constant availability.

A Personal Challenge for You

This Christmas, challenge yourself to truly switch off. Here’s a quick exercise to help:

1. Identify your “non-negotiables.” Decide what you need to do before the holidays to feel confident about stepping away.
2. Schedule your downtime. Block out time in your calendar for rest, family, or activities you enjoy.
3. Celebrate small wins. Reflect on what you and your team achieved this year, and give yourself permission to feel proud before rushing into 2024.

Finally, Merry Christmas!

Taking a proper break over Christmas doesn’t just benefit you—it benefits everyone around you. By prioritising your wellbeing, you set the tone for a healthier, more balanced approach to leadership in the new year.

Remember, great leadership isn’t about doing it all – it’s about knowing when to pause, reflect, and recharge.

So, what’s your plan for switching off this Christmas? Let’s start the conversation in the comments – I’d love to hear how you’re embracing rest this holiday season.

Here’s to a restful, joyful Christmas and a strong start to 2024!