The Business Coach with Laura Murphy: Christmas greetings?

Question: “We’re inundated with email Christmas cards from suppliers and notifications of “special” networking events for the festive season. It’s a waste of their and my time. All I want is for the staff to get on with work but they’re getting distracted. How can I stop it?” Raymond
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Dec 2012, 11:43 BST

Answer: “The short answer is you can’t but I’m more interested in why you would want to. Why you would want to deprive your staff of the bonhomie of others, of any perks, the “distractions” you mention, which might brighten their day?

The religious aspect of Christmas may not have any meaning for you or you might perceive it to be over-commercialisation and both are fair views. Are they sufficient reason though for your attitude?

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You’re clearly under pressure but the reality is that by saying “Bah Humbug” to it all it you’re generating excessive negativity which increases the levels of stress you feel. Your ranting in the workplace has a knock-on effect on staff so their productivity declines, which again increases pressure on you.

You may not be able to change the immediate circumstances but you can change how you react to them. So stop ranting about the emails and just delete them – from the screen and your memory. That will reduce the temperature at work and pressure levels. Next is to sit down and work through exactly what it is that’s causing your stress levels: whether it’s work or personal. A coach can help you do this objectively so you can plan how you are going to deal with them and re-boot your responses. Then next year you’ll be the one enjoying the celebrations.”

Laura is an organisation development specialist and executive coach with mtc2 ltd and was Highly Commended in the Eastbourne Business Awards Business Person of the Year. To solve your problem email [email protected] Tweet @WayfinderWoman Names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality.