As the year’s end approaches, it always seems like the final quarter flies by. With year-end celebrations and festivities beginning in early December, this period gets busier, and before we know it, items from this year's to-do list are being pushed to next year.

So, what are some leadership lessons for this part of the year?

When it comes to planning, and to working with timelines and busy periods, the following pointers can be helpful:

1. Review progress: Take out the to do list, or the project plan, and take note of where things are up to and what needs to happen next. We often set ambitious goals but are not so good at setting realistic and achievable implementation steps toward the end point. The task here is to consider where in the implementation plan and timeline things are up to, and what steps are next.
    
2. Set realistic expectations for what is achievable by the end of the year: With only ten weeks left, be realistic about what can be accomplished. Factor in current workloads, competing priorities, and any leave you or your team members may take.
    
3. Reassess timelines: Research shows us that we tend not to be particularly good at setting realistic timelines, especially for large projects – with timelines and budgets on big projects reliably blowing out to extreme extents. Double-check your timelines, ensuring each task—like meetings, approvals, and next steps—fits into a realistic schedule.
    
4. Consider the social calendar: Keep in mind public holidays, school breaks, and cultural festivals. Time in December and January is often more complex than other months, so plan accordingly.

Helpful leadership work to do with your colleagues and team

Bringing a leadership perspective to this work is not just about managing your own work—it is about guiding your team through this period, too:

• Communicate: Share your review with your team. What updates do they need? How will you communicate this (e.g., team meetings, email updates)?
   
• Seek input: Where relevant seek input from your team and get updates from your colleagues and team. Do you need to check availability or adjust leave schedules?

Open communication and shared planning can foster a sense of safety and security in our work. Checking in regularly on workload, plans and timelines is how we contain and reduce anxiety for self and others – it is important leadership work, and especially important as we embark on this last part of the year.