Let’s be honest, summer leadership has its challenges.
Half the team is juggling vacation schedules, the other half is distracted by sunshine (or escaping the Arizona heat), summer camp schedules, and family plans and you’re doing your utmost to keep projects moving forward without burning anyone (including yourself) out.
Sound at all familiar?
July is peak season for the “summer slump”, especially for us Arizonians, and it can create a noticeable dip in energy, focus, and urgency. However, smart leaders don’t fight the season, they lead with it. This month I wanted to share a few tips that have worked well for me and my team, and how U can keep your team on track without becoming the fun police.
1. Set Summer Expectations (Without the Guilt Trip)
People will be taking time off, as they should! A summer break is healthy and important, so embrace it and know it’s doing your team well. The key is being proactive. Revisit your priorities as a team and get clear on what must move forward versus what can wait. Prioritization in this season is key.
A few ideas U can use:
• Ask “What are our top 3 non-negotiables this month?”
• Communicate timelines clearly and universally, so everyone is on the same page.
• Encourage coverage planning early to avoid any gaps, misunderstandings or blaming.
Clarity reduces friction, and it gives your team members permission to unplug when it’s their turn. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it!
2. Embrace the Season
Instead of pretending summer isn’t happening, lean into it. Acknowledge the slower pace and build in flexibility to ease everyone’s mind and workload.
A few ideas to implement:
• Hold one less meeting per week.
• Shift to less in person updates and utilize technology to keep everyone in the loop.
• Do a summer “Finish Line Friday” to close the week with small accomplishments.
When U meet people where they are, you’re more likely to get engagement and results, and that’s the real key to overall team happiness. Smiles will abound when flexibility is given!
3. Keep the Mission Visible…Lightly
Even when things feel slower, your team’s purpose hasn’t disappeared. Be sure to continually sprinkle in small reminders of impact:
• Share a quick customer or client success story
• Start off a meeting with a recent team or company win.
• Highlight a team member’s specific contribution.
Sharing wins and successes keeps the “why” alive, without forcing motivation during a season when people naturally want to slow down. The slow burn of momentum is just what your team needs to feel in order to really light things up come autumn!
The summer season can test your ability to lead with empathy and hold structure, and with the right mindset, it IS doable! By implementing a few of these strategies U will find that your team’s productivity will remain intact and that they’ll come back even more focused and ready to get after your big Q3 initiatives. Your team doesn’t need pressure, they need clarity, encouragement, and space to recharge. They also need U to hold the line when it truly matters, so be that empathetic and pragmatic leader they deserve.
July doesn’t have to be a lost month. With just a few intentional shifts, U can keep your team connected, accountable, and even energized, while still leaving room for beach days and barbecues.
What I have always found is that the best leaders don’t just survive the summer, they intentionally set the tone for a strong second half, and inevitably, that’s exactly what they get. Now go relax, enjoy, and get ready for an incredible balance of the year!
With love & gratitude,
Jodi