Preparing for the holiday season

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According to Andy Williams, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Or, at least, it could be if you prepare well. The end of the year sees the convergence of different interests, not all pulling in the same direction. For this reason, it’s critical, if you want to enjoy it, to be fully prepared.

Here are some festive tips to make sure you enjoy the holiday season with a clear conscience and a clean slate at work.

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1. Complete projects

Make a list of all of your current projects and identify which tasks still need to be completed. If you haven’t got one already, prepare a project plan for each so that you can be sure you have the necessary resources available and ready at appropriate times. It will also serve as a useful tool to help you chase anyone else involved in the projects so that they don’t cause you any last minute problems!

Given that it’s the time of year when days off and sickness abound, you may want to consider running through each project and adding extra contingency so you’re not burning the midnight oil on Christmas Eve.

2. Inform Clients

Identify all of your clients (and suppliers and partners) and prepare a communication for them. You need to inform them of when you’ll be away from the office and who they should contact in case of any emergency whilst you’re on leave.

The more notice you give them, the more chance that they’ll send you those last minute requests or orders with enough time to fulfill their requirements before everyone disappears.

3. Resource

Well before the holiday season, you need to agree with your team who will provide cover over the festive period (assuming your organisation doesn’t close down). Consider not just the number of people required, but also the skill sets that may be called upon and the seniority available to deal with bigger issues.

4. Emergencies

These are, of course, your holidays. However, what do you want to happen in case of an emergency? Would you want your team to contact you? If not, you need to put in place someone else who is senior and capable (and available) to deal with situations in your absence.

5. Look ahead

As busy and tempting as it may be, don’t forget that the world is still turning and you will return (all too soon!) to the office. So, open your calendar and look over what’s due to happen in the first few weeks after you’ve returned. If there’s anything you need to set up, or get the ball rolling on, ensure you make a start. In that way, you can hit the floor running on your return.

6. Deep breaths

Finally, when the holiday season arrives, take a few deep breaths, remind yourself that you’ve achieved what you needed to and everything is set up to continue smoothly in your absence.

Then run all the way home to a well-earned break!

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