From Summer to Strategy: What to do with this weird time before Fall sets in

Aug 08, 2024 4:33 pm

Hey !

August is this weird time of year... where we're holding onto summer, anticipating the start of the school year, and potentially planning our fall or holiday plans.

Once we hit September, your team is taking less PTO, and we expect to see productivity ramp up.

It's a not-so-scramble kind of time where we're trying to reengage off the summer, and still know the clock is ticking for those end of year goals.

Most organizations start loosely thinking about next year's goals and budgets in September, with full on planning in October.

Yikes.

If you just that moment of "WAIT IT IS STILL SUMMER"... Trust me, I hear you.

And for those of you out there who are already starting to feel those thoughts, plans, and ideas about the fall... I'm with you.

[As a aside... we're even in planning stages for next summer's big vacation... so future planning is clearly on my mind!]

So let's think about that transition back into the fall for a moment

Don't Get Too Far Ahead of Yourself

Remember that your team (and probably you!) are all wanting to get in that last trip or summer adventure. It's okay! Take and make space for this important rest, recuperation, and connection time outside of work.

If your mind is spinning with ideas -- jot them down! Get started with a spot to think about fall ideas and even next year's goals. Make sure they're not all productivity focused, too.

Relish in Summer Memories

We all love a good story.

Sharing memories and stories from our summer adventures is a great way to connect with your team in a genuine way.

Did someone take a big adventure to a new place?

See if they'd like to present some highlights and photos in a team meeting or over lunch sometime.

This shows your team the importance of celebrating life's good stuff outside of work, and you can often learn about something new.

Maybe someone took a class, workshop, or learned a new skill this summer.

Ask if they would do a quick teach-back to the team to share what they learned.

It doesn't have to be work related!

When we see others as someone we can learn from in one context, we'll apply that to other scenarios easily. Your team will value each other, and it lays a foundation for future connections.

Reflect on Your Team's Needs

You know that September feels like a reality check as things slow down in our personal lives. It's also this lull before the holiday PTO and planning.

So take a moment to consider what your team might need for training, refocusing, and reconnecting.

As far as training goes: think beyond technical training and invest in their skills like collaboration, project management, prioritization, persuasive communication, and more.

Make sure any skills training like this includes practical exercises like role play or other ways the team can rehearse for reality.

Forget about Happy Hours

We've all been there.

When your team needs an opportunity to connect or spend time together outside of our day to day work, a happy hour can feel like an easy go to.

Besides, a couple rounds of drinks and appetizers doesn't cost that much, and you don't need to do much planning.

You likely already have some budget to use for team togetherness or gatherings of some kind.

But what happens at these happy hours?

Not everyone shows up. Lots of people feel uncomfortable at a bar or out of place. Besides, alcohol inhibits our filters and we often aren't at our best. Plus, if someone isn't feeling included or part of the group, why should they spend even more time with each other. They'll see it as just more time to feel awkward and sidelined.
After work events take your team away from their lives -- family, additional jobs, obligations, and precious recharge time.
People generally only "connect" with people they already like or connect with. You might think they'll chat with others, but it's already uncomfortable, and people hate small talk.

What doesn't happen at a happy hour?

Genuine connection with everyone.
Building essential skills for better communication, collaboration, and ultimately productivity.

So think really hard before you just throw down a credit card at a bar.

Hoping for people to connect... never works.

Connection, support, appreciation, and desire to work together on hard things don't come from hope.

They take intentional, deliberate activities designed to create this environment.

So what will you do to help your team be ready to hit the ground running this fall and be their best to meet your end of year goals?

Yes, I can help you with this. If you'd like to chat about a workshop for team building, skill development, or conflict resolution, take a look at how I work with teams.

Whatever you do though, make it intentional.

You'd only be reading this far if you were already an intentional leader.

If you've got questions, feel free to reply and we can chat about what's going on with your team.

Not really sure what your team needs? Take a look at the Team Health Score Quiz for insights.

Here to help you and your team in whatever way you need.

Let's make your team a great place to work.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best,

Katie

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