Photo by Alex Padurariu on Unsplash
Do you hope to survive Q4?
The last quarter of the year is undeniably the most unwanted and uncomfortable. As a result, companies are burning their remaining budgets and looking for new customers to boost their financial results.
Q4 is a scarecrow.
While you think they are just ‘busy months’, you are playing with fire. Q4 is more than that. Q4 tests your mental well-being, motivation, and abilities.
Don’t let the last months of the year lead you to burn out. Get ready to deal with them successfully now.
1. Time to be assertive
“We don’t have anyone else. You have to take on this project.”
Q4 is a shi* time for any manager who has to stretch his team. Yet, some people do more than others. Talented and responsible individuals often suffer.
Even if you feel like a superhero, you don’t have to save the day. Take care of yourself first. Say ‘yes’ when you can and ‘no’ when you can’t help.
No one will remember this Q4 in a year, but you will if you put yourself under stress and ruin your health by working too much.
2. Prioritize your health
When the pressure is high, you forget about basics like drinking enough, eating regularly, and getting enough sleep.
Watch out! Staying fit is essential:
You are always the most important person. No client should steal your sleep or food.
3. Tune yourself positively
Going into Q4 with their idea of hell in your mind might create resistance against work. A mindset makes a huge difference in how you feel about your job.
Tune your feelings from a ‘survivor mode’ into a ‘positive go-getter’.
Be flexible, seek solutions, and put healthy energy into your work and private life. A positive attitude can help you get over stress and pressure and link teams together.
Try to have fun in Q4. You might be surprised how quickly the season is over when you decide to enjoy it.
4. Make a plan
If you tend to be messy, I have bad news for you. Q4 requires a lot of planning, communication, and teamwork.
Try to plan as much as possible.
During September, start Q4 preparation:
Clean your schedule from unnecessary meetings and ghosts blocking your calendar.
Take a look at what's left on your projects, and what needs to be done.
Talk to your coworkers about their agenda.
Make a game plan of priorities and capacity.
The plan helps you to be realistic and work as a team. Not everything is possible, and you should not even aim for it. Stay on the rail, and move smoothly.
Those who do not plan do not survive.
Q4 is about expectations. Get ready on time, and your mental health will thank you later.