Quiet Power: Leading Through the Holiday Rush

You stare at your growing to-do list. 

…year-end deadlines 

…holiday preparations

…team expectations - family expectations.

The pressure to be everything to everyone is crushing. Santa’s very full sack on your shoulders would feel lighter.

I know this feeling intimately—that raw mix of overwhelm and self-doubt that creeps in during the busiest season. The voice inside whispers, "You’ll never get this all done.” 

But what if this year it could be different?

“Would now be the time to disappear to that beach in Hawaii?” you wonder. Soft sand, lapping waves, seagulls squawking overhead.

That would be amazing but what if this year, you found your “quiet power” right here, right now? A calm, steady strength that comes from leading with courage instead of overwhelm.

Ready to trade holiday panic for peaceful power? 

Let's begin.

Step 1: Release the Armor of Perfectionism

First of all, if you keep pushing yourself to maintain an image of the "perfect" leader who has it all together, you'll crack. 

Believe me, I know. I discovered this the hard way, trying to be superhuman during past holiday seasons until I began to resemble the Grinch. I started hating Christmas.

You don’t want that.

When you think you’re Superwoman/man:

• You exhaust yourself trying to control everything.

• Your team (and family) walks on eggshells, afraid to make mistakes.

• The joy gets squeezed out of the season.

• You miss opportunities to connect authentically.

Now think of that beach in Maui.

That’s what letting the perfectionism go feels like:

• You can breathe and think clearly.

• Your team feels safe to step up and support you.

• You rediscover the magic in small moments.

• Real connections flourish.

Start by acknowledging that you're human. 

Share openly with your team and your family when you're feeling stretched. Let them see your vulnerability – it gives them permission to be human, too. 

Schedule buffer time between meetings. Say no to non-essential commitments. Your worth isn't measured by how many plates you can spin.

Step 2: Feed Your Quiet Power

In the rush of the season, it's tempting to skip your morning routine, work through lunch, and push yourself to exhaustion. But depleting yourself doesn't serve anyone. 

Your quiet power needs daily nourishment.

If you run on empty:

• Your decision-making suffers

• Anxiety spikes

• You react instead of respond

• Your leadership presence diminishes

When you fuel your quiet power:

• You lead with steady confidence

• Solutions flow more easily

• You stay present and connected

• Your energy uplifts others

Create small rituals that ground you. I bounce on my mini-tramp each morning – it gets my blood flowing and shifts my mindset. 

Take a walk outside between meetings.

Eat lunch away from your desk.

Write in your journal. 

Feed the part of you that remains steady when chaos swirls. 

Remember how the village responded when the Grinch stole Christmas? Were they phased? Nope. They tapped into that steady part inside.

Step 3: Choose Faith Over Fear

Did you know that, for many of us, the holiday rush triggers our deepest fears? We fear falling behind, letting people down, not being enough. 

The greatest Christmas comfort and joy should be that you don’t have to stay here in the tired, panicked place. You have a choice in how you respond. 

Fear can drive your decisions…or you can choose faith in yourself, your team, and those you love at home to be the driver.

When fear leads:

• You micromanage

• Communication breaks down

• Stress spreads through your team (and your family hides)

• Innovation stalls

When faith leads:

• You delegate with trust

• Open dialogue flows

• Your team and your family rise to the challenge

• Creative solutions emerge

Start catching yourself when fear creeps in. Notice the physical sensations – racing heart, tight chest, clenched jaw.

Take a deep breath. 

Ask yourself: "What would I do right now if I trusted myself completely?" Then take one brave step in that direction. 

It may be that the bravest thing to do is simply eliminate a few items on that long list. 

Your Quiet Power Awaits

You already have everything you need to lead powerfully through this holiday season. The strength, wisdom and courage live inside you waiting for you to claim them.

Let them be your fuel - the quiet power.

To let go of perfectionism, nourish your spirit, and choose faith over fear. 

This season can be different. You can create an oasis of calm leadership amid the rush.

Want support in accessing your quiet power? 

Join my weekly email series (opt-in to my free e-book “Courageous”) where I'll guide you step by step in building the courage to lead with gentle strength. Together we'll discover how powerful quiet can be.