As summer fades and the autumn air takes its place, the rhythm of the natural world begins to slow. The “ber” months have arrived.
September, October, November, December and nature knows the drill. Leaves turn, the earth slows its pace, and we’re all gently nudged toward rest. But those of us who work in Positive Impact spaces know that the work doesn’t slow, even if the seasons do.
The reality is that the end of the year is just as, if not more, intense than the rest. Giving Tuesday campaigns (check out our Giving Tuesday annual list of Positive Impact Orgs), looming end-of-the-year deadlines, and the holidays, there’s often the added pressure of finishing strong. This disconnect between the natural world’s quieting and our own busy work schedules can leave us feeling silo’d and stressed.
So, how do we balance the frenetic pace of work with the calm of the season? Connection.
The Power of Connection: Checking In with Clients and Employees
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. The moment you begin to feel rushed is exactly the time to ease back into first gear and purposely slow down, with intention. It allows us to take a moment to check in with the people who matter most in our organizations: clients and employees.
In a world that runs at a breakneck speed, these check-ins are more than a professional formality. They are an opportunity to recalibrate and ensure continued alignment with the needs and expectations of those we collaborate with.
For clients, the end of the year is a great time to make sure everything is on track, goals are being met, and that your clients feel seen, heard and valued. It’s time to take stock of the year’s progress and ask, “How are we doing?” When we are wrapped up in the day-to-day tasks, we tend to overlook the bigger picture. A thoughtful check-in might uncover new opportunities, refine strategies, or even prevent potential issues from festering.
For employees, especially as the year draws to a close, it’s essential to foster an environment of support and open communication. A simple, “How’s everything going?” can provide valuable insight into their well-being and workload. Checking in regularly and offering extra encouragement can help prevent burnout and build a more resilient, connected, & motivated team.
Strengthening the Foundations of Positive Impact
At the core of any positive impact organization is the understanding that people are the true drivers of change. We don’t just work for the betterment of specific communities, we work with those communities, alongside our clients to bring about real transformation.
This transformation happens not in a vacuum, but within a network of relationships built on trust, respect, and shared values. As we move into the “ber” months, it’s these very relationships that fuel our ability to create lasting change. Without them, there is no movement, no momentum. Without them, impact becomes just a series of tasks rather than a shared journey.
So, as the days grow shorter and the world slows down, take a moment to pause, reflect, and check in. Not only with clients or employees, but with yourself as well. How are the relationships that matter most to your work thriving? Are they supported? Are they healthy?
Because in the end, it’s not the deadlines or deliverables that define the success of your organization. It is the strength of the human connection that you nurture along the way.