Illuminating Hope
Keeping Your Team Inspired Through the Holidays
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” – Edith Wharton.
For teams, December can feel like both a race to finish and an uphill climb. There’s the pressing challenge of meeting year-end goals while balancing work and personal commitments. Through it all, leaders have the opportunity to inspire hope and purpose, turning exhaustion into renewed motivation for the team.
I once worked with a team that started every December meeting with the same anxious question: “How are we going to get everything done before the holidays?” It set a tone of panic, not progress. But one year, their leader changed the question. Instead of focusing on tasks, she began meetings with, “What inspired you this year?” What followed was powerful — stories of teamwork, creativity, and perseverance filled the room. The energy shifted from drained to determined. That small change turned the end-of-year grind into a time of gratitude and connection.
Before diving into the four practical ways to inspire hope, let’s explore how each approach can create a meaningful impact for your team during this season.
1. Start Meetings with Inspiration
December meetings can easily turn into lists of deadlines and deliverables. But when you open with a moment of reflection — a simple question like, “What inspired you this year?” — you create space for meaning. This isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about reminding your team why their work matters.
Leaders who start with inspiration remind their teams that progress isn’t only measured by numbers or reports. It’s also measured by the moments that made a difference — the client who appreciated their help, the project that sparked creativity, or the colleague who offered support when things got tough.
This small shift transforms meetings into moments of light. It sets a tone of appreciation instead of urgency — and that’s the mindset people need most at year’s end.
2. Give Space for Gratitude and Storytelling
Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good exercise; it’s fuel for hope. When leaders create space for team members to share stories of gratitude — big or small — they strengthen connection. Maybe someone’s thankful for how their manager listened during a tough time, or how a coworker stepped up to help during a busy week.
Try dedicating the last 10 minutes of a meeting to gratitude storytelling. Ask, “Who made your work easier this year?” or “What moment made you proud to be part of this team?” Listening to these stories can be surprisingly energizing. It reminds everyone that their daily efforts matter — not just to the company, but to each other.
This practice mirrors the holiday spirit of reflection and renewal. Much like lighting the Hanukkah candles, each shared story adds another spark of warmth and hope, reminding everyone that even small acts of kindness can light the way forward.
3. Set Micro-Goals for December
The end of the year can feel overwhelming when the to-do list keeps growing. That’s why it’s better to focus on micro-goals — small, meaningful wins that keep momentum strong without burning people out.
Instead of pushing for massive year-end achievements, help your team identify three simple wins for December. These could include finishing a lingering project, improving a single process, or reconnecting with a client. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress.
When leaders focus on micro-goals, they send a clear message: You don’t have to do everything to make this month count. That approach builds both confidence and calm, helping people finish strong without feeling stretched thin.
4. Express Appreciation in Personal, Sincere Ways
Recognition doesn’t have to come in the form of big bonuses or public awards. The most meaningful appreciation often comes from a heartfelt message, a handwritten note, or a genuine conversation.
Take time this month to thank people personally — not only for what they achieved, but for the positive qualities they demonstrated. Perhaps it’s the teammate who stayed positive under pressure or the one who supported others behind the scenes. Specific, sincere gratitude leaves a lasting impression.
This season, think of appreciation as your light — a reflection of the hope and humanity that leadership brings. Just as Hanukkah reminds us that a single flame can burn longer than expected, your words of thanks can carry your team’s spirit well into the new year.
A Season for Reflection and Renewal
The holidays are more than a pause; they’re a chance for leaders to help their teams reflect, reconnect, and renew purpose. Your influence during this time comes not just from strategy, but from the hope and inspiration you spark.
By highlighting meaning, celebrating wins, and encouraging gratitude, you show your team that hope endures—even in the busiest seasons. This is where your leadership shines brightest: bringing out the best in your team during challenging times.
To summarize, focus on three key actions: start meetings with inspiration, give space for gratitude, and set micro-goals for December. As you lead with appreciation and reflect on your team’s efforts, you strengthen hope and connection, helping your team finish the year with renewed energy and purpose.
Next Steps
If this message inspired you, take one step this week — start your next meeting with the question, “What inspired you this year?” You’ll be amazed at what follows.
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I’ve reviewed Atomic Habits by James Clear before, but it feels more relevant than ever—especially in light of “Illuminating Hope: Keeping Your Team Inspired Through the Holidays.” Clear’s book is a masterclass in how small, consistent actions can create extraordinary transformation. He shows that success isn’t built on massive leaps, but on the quiet power of compounding progress—1% better each day.
In the same spirit as our discussion on rekindling hope and purpose, Atomic Habits reminds us that greatness often begins with a single, simple choice: starting that gratitude ritual, setting one achievable goal, or taking a moment to recognize someone’s effort. These micro-actions, repeated consistently, form the foundation of stronger teams and more fulfilled leaders.
What I love most about Clear’s approach is its practicality. His methods don’t just inspire—they work. They turn inspiration into structure, and structure into success. If “Illuminating Hope” is about leading with light and renewal, Atomic Habits gives you the torch to keep that light burning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it as a must-read for every professional striving for excellence.
Take action today: grab your copy of Atomic Habits and subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for more insights to elevate your leadership and career.
