How to master the art of the circle back
Ah, the holiday season. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the corporate world often seems to slip into a gentle hibernation. Meetings get pushed, decisions are deferred, and you hear the phrase “let’s circle back in the New Year” more times than you can count.
So, how can you make the most of this slower pace and set yourself up for success when January rolls around? Here’s a five-step guide to using the holiday lull as a springboard for the new year:
1. Hyper-Focus on What You Can Control
Use this time to tie up loose ends. Knock out any outstanding tasks and draft a clear, actionable priority list for when you're back. This is the time to get organized and wrap up anything lingering from the year.
2. Build Your January Calendar
Take your priority list and turn it into a plan. Send out meeting invites and block time on your calendar now. This approach will not only keep you focused but also signal to colleagues and stakeholders that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
3. Keep Your Network Active
The holidays are a great time to reconnect. Schedule lunch with a former colleague, follow industry leaders on LinkedIn, or share your insights by posting your own content. Visibility matters—don’t let the holiday quiet keep you off the radar. Engage with leadership, too, whether it’s inviting a senior team member for coffee or offering to present at a meeting in January.
4. Be Mindful of Your Team
Remember that the holidays affect everyone differently. Stress, family obligations, or even burnout can take a toll. Extend grace to your colleagues and show flexibility where needed. A little kindness now can strengthen relationships for the long haul.
5. Disconnect to Recharge
Perhaps the most critical step: give yourself permission to unplug. Turn off your work notifications, stash your laptop, and savor your time off. Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for coming back refreshed and ready to tackle the year ahead.
By embracing focus, preparation, visibility, and empathy, you can make the transition into the new year seamless and powerful.
So, here’s to the art of the “circle back.” Let’s use this season wisely and step into January with purpose and momentum.
What are your go-to strategies for staying productive during the holidays and starting the new year strong? Share your tips in the comments below!
How to Build Strong Connections for Better Business Growth
If you were to ask about my approach to work, my top priority is always building strong relationships.
If you were to ask about my approach to work, my top priority is always building strong relationships. Hot take: relationships in your work life are equally as important as in your personal. Building relationships and making meaningful connections are the gateway to accelerating projects and your career.
I have found that these three steps are essential in fostering highly collaborative teams and paving the way for long-term growth and success:
Show genuine interest. You don’t have to be best friends, and you don’t have to necessarily get personal; however, taking the time to ask questions and learn more about a colleague’s day-to-day, challenges, etc. will help you build a bridge.
Listen and acknowledge. It doesn’t matter at what professional level they are; people want to feel that their perspectives and opinions are heard. One of my go-to strategies is to repeat back what a colleague said for clarity along with an affirming statement. Phrases such as “I hear you” and “let’s factor/consider” can help reassure them that they are respected and that they are influencing business decisions.
Pay it forward. When a respected colleague calls you and asks for help “putting a fire out” or a “last minute favor”, if it’s legal, do it. Chances are you are going to need a favor at some point too so set the tone as one of a solid partnership. After all, you are working towards the same goals. You are One team.
Another hot take: Face to face interaction isn’t required to build strong relationships. Sure, it adds value, but I have seen cross-functional teams achieve ground-breaking success all the while working remotely.
Personal engagement, actively listening, and reciprocity are straightforward yet powerful steps that lay the groundwork for stronger team collaboration, ultimately driving greater organizational growth as well as career growth.
What is your go-to strategy for building strong connections? What value does face-to-face interaction provide that remote working doesn’t? Comment your thoughts below!