My staff are starting to lose focus as Christmas approaches. Help!

Dear Aunty B,

We had a little Melbourne Cup lunch and a few of my staff we’re talking about how close the end of the year is.

“Cup day today and before you know it, it’s Christmas,” one said.

I know how they feel, but I’m worried that my team is going to start worrying about bonbons and forget about budgets.

And frankly, we can’t afford to get distracted – we’ve got six weeks to dig in and hit our targets.

How do I keep everyone on track, dear Aunty?

Bah Humbug,

Sydney

Dear Bah Humbug,

Your name says it all. Bloody holidays get in the way of everything, don’t they?

What you need to do is keep everyone focused with some short-term goals and incentives.

I’m not sure how your team is paid – do they get commissions, for example – but I would call everyone together, clearly detail your six-week target and then put some incentives up if you can hit it. Might be gift vouchers, might be movie tickets, might be an extra day off in January when it’s quiet.

The incentive doesn’t have to be big or expensive (it shouldn’t, in fact) but it does need to send a message that it’s time to knuckle down for the run to the finish line.

Be smart,

Your Aunty B

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!