How to get stuff done by year end (when everyone’s running on fumes)

It’s mid-December. Your team looks like a line-up from The Walking Dead.

Your Nespresso machine has contacted its union and is demanding overtime.

Everyone is tired. But…you still need things done.

You’ve tried postponing and deleting stuff (if not, see last week’s email). However, a few stubborn tasks still need to get finished before year end.

You’re smart enough to know that chasing people at the end of December is going to make you the biggest Grinch in town.

Tired people don’t need pep talks or pushing.

So…what can you do to motivate them without going on their naughty lists? Try one of these motivational tactics:

1. Shrink the task

Tired brains avoid anything that feels heavy. Cut tasks to the smallest single step. Make every instruction idiot-proof.

2. Use social pressure – gently

‘We’re 90% there — just need your bit to finish this today.’ People hate being the bottleneck.

3. Use liking (your secret Christmas superpower)

Empathy moves people more than urgency right now. A simple, human line – ‘I know everyone’s exhausted, so I’ve made this super easy’ – will likely get faster responses than sticking ‘URGENT ACTION!’ in your subject line.

4. Trigger anticipatory relief

The promise of future relaxation is irresistible: ‘Do this now and coast into Christmas.’

5. My old favourite – don’t be so serious

‘After this I promise I’ll let you watch The Muppet Christmas Carol and eat mince pies in peace.’  Humour slices through exhaustion.

This is my final blog post of the year, but don’t panic. I’ll be back in January.

Thank you (genuinely) for all your comments, ideas and thoughts this year. I’ve loved reading them, and I never take for granted that you let me loiter in your inbox every week.

Wishing you and your favourite humans the happiest of holidays, with too much chocolate and zero guilt.