7 tips to plan for a Merry Christmas, so work doesn't overwhelm you!

What do you need to do to plan for a Christmas break?

Planning for time off over Christmas as a business owner or leader involves careful preparation to ensure everything runs smoothly while you’re away. 

Here are seven Room 11 Coaching tips for a successful break:

1. Organise and Prioritise Work

🎄 Identify Critical Tasks: List any essential tasks that need to be completed before you leave or during your time off.

🎄Set Deadlines: Schedule these tasks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

🎄Prioritise Strategic Work: If applicable, complete or delegate tasks that align with long-term goals.

2. Delegate Responsibilities

🎅🏼 Empower Your Team: Assign responsibilities to team members to handle day-to-day operations.

🎅🏼Create a Contact Chain: Ensure your team knows who to contact for specific issues.

🎅🏼Communicate Expectations: Be clear about decision-making authority and set boundaries for contacting you during your break.

3. Communicate Well 🗣️ 📧 

🤶🏼 Set Auto-Responses: Use out-of-office messages for email and phone, including return dates and alternate contacts.

4. Set Boundaries for Yourself

🎄Decide how often (if at all) you’ll check emails or messages. And looks at ways you can help yourself to stick to this.

🎄Trust the Process: Remind yourself why stepping away is essential for recharging and trust in the preparations you’ve made.

5. Prepare Your Team for Success

🎅🏼Meet with your team before you finish, to review priorities, responsibilities, and expected outcomes.

🎅🏼Create a Checklist: Provide written instructions or reminders for any recurring tasks.

🎅🏼Encourage Initiative: Use this as an opportunity to build team confidence in handling things independently.

6. Personal Planning

🤶🏼Plan Finances: Ensure invoices, payments, and payroll are processed before your break.

🤶🏼Prepare for Emergencies: Share your contact details for genuine emergencies only.

🤶🏼Schedule Time for Relaxation: Protect your downtime—make time for family, rest, and festive traditions.

7. Review, Reflect and Feedforward Strategic Goals for 2024 and into 2025

🎄Reflect Before Leaving: Evaluate this year’s wins and areas for growth, so you’re ready to hit the ground running in January.

🎄Plan for January: Make a light outline of your priorities for when you return to avoid the post-holiday overwhelm.