3 Biggest Mistakes Change Leaders Make At This Time Of Year (And What To Do Instead)

The New Way

As the year draws to a close, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that progress in your change program is futile. You might believe that everyone's focused on holiday festivities and not paying attention to your initiatives but today I’m telling you why that’s simply not true. Stakeholders, customers, and talent are still watching, and your team still wants to know how change will impact them. In this episode, I'm sharing insights and practical tactics on how you can keep the momentum going and avoid the common mistakes I see change leaders make at this time of year.

One of the biggest mistakes I see change leaders make is not having a clear end of year strategy. Without a focused strategy for December and January, you risk wasting valuable effort that you’ve made throughout the year. This time is actually an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact while keeping your stakeholders engaged. I share my suggestion for creating holiday-specific plans that are low-intensity but high-impact, ensuring that everyone on the team is aligned with the priorities.

Business activities naturally slow down during the holidays, but I've discovered that disappearing entirely can lead to a loss of momentum. When you’re not visible as a change leader, stakeholders tend to deprioritise change-related tasks. Today I reveal some excellent tools you can use to maintain visibility during the festive season, including creating a holiday roadmap, sharing a holiday calendar, and sending personalised end-of-year messages to key stakeholders.

The holiday season doesn't have to mean a standstill in your change program. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the strategies I share today, you can keep the momentum going and set the stage for a successful start to the new year. It's all about being intentional, strategic, and thoughtful in your actions. Remember, your change program still matters, even during the holiday season. So, choose one or two impactful tactics, stay visible, and make the most of this time.

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Website: https://www.everchange.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatebyrne