We know that December can be a bit bonkers. There’s always more going on than you expected, everyone seems to be trying to squeeze everything in before finishing for the Christmas break, you have family and social commitments to schedule in, and with all the other Christmas noise going on… it’s hardly surprising it can be hard to find the energy to actually enjoy yourself.

As a busy business owner, there’s a lot to think about – so in the whirlwind of December, let us help with you getting everything wrapped up (at least with your team – we can’t help with the Christmas presents!).

Any avid followers of our hero Patrick Lencioni who have read “Death by Meeting” will know about his concept of “meeting stew”.

Let me explain.

Put someone in a kitchen who has no idea how to cook; they take all ingredients from the fridge and the cupboards and whack them all in a big pot.

The result – something pretty gross and yet they are scratching their head wondering why this magnificent concoction doesn’t taste good.

If you put all of your issues, items and things for discussion into a meeting that is usually called a “staff meeting” you will find that this combination of tactical, administration, creative, idea gathering, strategic analysis and people discussions surprisingly comes out not tasting too good either.

So the idea is having clear, focused meetings, different kinds of meetings, for different kinds of issues.

Now you can take this nugget into the new year (you’re welcome) and use it with wild abandon, but for now, back to Christmas.

Don’t get your tinsel tangled up with trying to cover off too many disparate agenda items in one meeting.

We think you need 3 meetings.

All of which are different, and all of which have different areas of focus… and they go a little something like this:

A Check In meeting

This is a general check in of how people are. It’s been a full on year filled with change and uncertainty. The festive season while it should be jolly, may feel different to a lot of people this year.

Bring mince pies, bring whatever you need – this is the time to check in with everyone – how are they set for meeting end of year deadlines? How are their workloads – personal and workwise? Do they need any additional support or resource to get them across the finishing line?

This may work as a whole team meeting. You may prefer individual check in sessions.

You know what will work best, but either way, be more Santa, open your grotto door and ask people how they really are.

And while you are at it, thank them for the work they have done this year. You don’t need fancy hampers or magnums of champers. A personalised card to thank them for something specific and to wish them a Merry Christmas can go a really long way.

2. A Management meeting

Take some time with your management team and have a review of the year.

Share your plans for next year.

What is your focus going to be? Have you created your business strategy for 2023 yet? Does your business plan or strategy include your people strategy? If not, it should!

Your business plans will be delivered by your people so you need to give that some serious thought….We happen to know some people who can help you with them one! Check out our Something page if you want some inspiration!

3. A Personal meeting.

Take some time to check in with yourself.

Have a moment to reflect on 2022.

If it’s anything like ours has been there could be a lot to think about!

Is there anything you need support in so that you can switch off for Christmas? Anything you want to put in place? How have the previous meetings left you feeling? What action points have come out of them that you need to look at?

Take some time to get this all down – written lists, journaling, online to-do apps… whatever your preferred mode of organisation is, make sure you can shut the office door and spend your festive season content in the knowledge that everything is set ready for you to pick up in the New Year.