Leadership in Transition: Showing Up for Each Other at Year-End

Pebble in the Pond

Dec 18

This week’s theme is transition. The shift from the intensity of work to the hope of enjoying the holidays with family. For many, that transition isn’t easy. It can be disrupted by unexpected demands at work or complicated by family challenges.

What I’ve learned is that awareness matters. In our workplaces, whether in person or virtual, we need to recognize what others might be carrying. That starts with openness. If someone shares how they’re feeling or what they’re facing, we have a chance to help. If they don’t, assumptions can add stress instead of easing it.

So here’s my approach: I simply say, “I’m here if you need me.” I may not know exactly what that means yet, but if I can lighten the load—even in a small way—I will. And if I can’t, I’ll be honest about that too.

This season, many of my clients are overwhelmed. There’s uncertainty, pressure, and even grief in the communities we live in. These realities shape how people show up at work, no matter how passionate they are. Let’s not ignore that. Let’s lead with empathy, honesty, and a willingness to help where we can.

This is the perfect time to pause and ask: How can we help each other?

Three Observations To Consider:

1. Ensure Everything Is Taken Care Of Before Leaving the Office

Before diving into new tasks, confirm that the essentials are covered. This creates space for others and reduces stress across the team.

2. Spend Time on What Matters Most

Use any extra capacity to focus on your priorities—but also look for opportunities to pick up tasks for teammates who are stretched thin.

3. Reflect Positively and Pragmatically

Celebrate wins and acknowledge challenges. Reflection helps you understand where you stand emotionally and at the work level—and how you can support others.

This Week’s Ripple Effect

And as we reflect on transition, let’s also reflect on the world around us. Today, we see stories from Australia and Brown University—people doing what they believe is right for themselves: celebrating a holiday, sharing coffee with friends, studying for an exam. Ordinary moments of joy and purpose.

Then, in an instant, hatred steps in and life is taken away. Yet even in those darkest moments, heroes emerge—people who step forward, risking everything to protect others. They remind us what courage and humanity look like.

This holiday season, let’s choose kindness. Let’s find ways to help each other—even those who frustrate us or those we disagree with most. Because beneath all the differences, there’s a common thread: we are human. We all seek joy, even if we define it differently. And none of us has the right to snuff out the joy of others because it doesn’t match our own.

Let’s lead with empathy. Let’s protect what matters most: life, dignity, and hope.

Call to Action:

Challenge for the Team

Be a Team Player:
- How to Offer Help: Offer to take on small but meaningful tasks that free others for critical work.
- How to Ask for Help:  Be clear and specific—asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Three Ways to Make an Impact:
- Ensure Everything Is Taken Care Of
  - Before diving into new tasks, confirm that the essentials are covered. This creates space for others and reduces stress across the team.
- Spend Time on What Matters Most
  - Use any extra capacity to focus on your priorities—but also look for opportunities to pick up tasks for teammates who are stretched thin.
- Reflect Positively and Pragmatically
  - Celebrate wins and acknowledge challenges. Reflection helps you understand where you stand emotionally and at the work level—and how you can support others.