Why the Last Mile of the Year Is When Your Team Needs You Most

This past weekend, I ran the Savannah Southern Half Marathon. Around mile 10, I hit that familiar wall—the one where your legs are tired, your brain is negotiating shortcuts, and the finish line suddenly feels way too far away.

I remember thinking, “No one would blame me if I eased up a little. In fact, I might even blame the course designer, my questionable life choices, my shoelaces, or the fact that mile markers seem to get farther apart the longer you run—really, take your pick.”

But my friends weren’t having it. They didn’t cheer loudly or give a dramatic pep talk. They just stayed beside me, kept a steady pace, and reminded me—by their presence and encouraging words—that I had more in the tank. And they were right. I finished strong because someone helped me stay focused when my motivation slipped.

And it made me remember something important: the last stretch of the year works the exact same way.

The end-of-year season is our workplace “mile 10.” The holidays are approaching, schedules get busy, focus drifts, and the finish line looks close enough to coast. (And let’s be honest, cookies suddenly become a food group.) But coasting rarely gets us where we want to go. That’s why leadership matters more in December than almost any other time.

Here are three ways great leaders help their teams stay motivated—and finish the year with pride instead of burnout:

• Reconnect to purpose: Remind your team why their work matters.

• Make progress visible: Highlight what’s been accomplished—and what’s left.

• Celebrate early and often: Small wins deserve recognition, especially now.

Your energy sets the tone. How are you showing up as the year winds down?