The end of the year has a way of bringing out all sorts of leadership habits — some helpful, some… not so much. When everyone’s running hot and the jobs keep coming, it’s easy to slip into a version of yourself you didn’t plan on. Here are a few classics we see pop up on farms and in workplaces this time of year. Which one feels a bit familiar?
🐓 The Headless Chook
Lots of motion, not much traction. You’re doing ten things at once and finishing about one of them.
Nudge: Slow down long enough to give a clear instruction or finish one job properly.
📣 The “Just Do It” Commander
Short, sharp, no-context communication. Efficient? Yes. Clear? Sometimes not.
Nudge: Add one sentence of explanation — it’ll save you answering the same question later.
🚜 The Tractor Puller
Pulling the whole team forward by sheer force. Reliable, but exhausting — for you and everyone watching.
Nudge: Share the load. You don’t need to tow the whole operation every day.
📦 The Juggler
Keeping 20 things in the air at once and hoping none of them hit the ground. Impressive… but stressful.
Nudge: Decide which balls matter — some can drop without breaking.
🐕 The Heading Dog
Zipping around, checking on everyone, redirecting, circling back, keeping things moving by constant motion.
Nudge: Take a breath — even the best dogs need a lie-down.
🧊 The Cold Front
Clipped, frosty, and visibly over it. Often tired, not actually angry — but the team can’t tell the difference.
Nudge: Label your mood: “Big day, short fuse” clears the air instantly.
We all shift between these styles depending on the day (and how much sleep we’ve had). The goal isn’t perfection — it’s noticing the version of yourself that’s showing up and nudging it in the right direction.
A few small habits can make a big difference at this time of year. Naming how you’re feeling — even something as simple as “I’m running on low batteries today” — instantly lowers tension and keeps the team on the same page. Focusing on being clear with just one or two key messages each day is far more effective than trying to communicate everything at once. Taking a quick moment to reset, even if it’s just stepping outside or grabbing a drink of water, can stop a chaotic morning from turning into a full Headless Chook day. And shifting from “checking up” on people to “checking in” with them always lands better when everyone’s under pressure. Most importantly, remember that December isn’t the month for perfection; it’s the month for getting the important things done well enough.
If you want support building steadier, more intentional leadership habits for the new year, we’re always here to help.