Leadership isn't always about having the answers or being the one in charge. It can be about recognizing when someone around you needs support, setting healthy boundaries, and making them feel valued.

The end of the year brings holidays, deadlines, travel, family plans, and budgets that all compete for attention, along with the pressure to make the season feel festive. During an already busy time, small acts of leadership can make a meaningful difference. Here are a few ways that anyone can lead with empathy and make a difference this holiday season.

1. Notice the whole person. A short reply or a missed deadline may have nothing to do with work. Check in with people and ask, "How are you doing with everything this month?" and mean it.
   
   
2. Protect time, yours and theirs. Skip the "quick" late-night message. Batch your requests. Respect PTO. The boundaries you hold give others permission to hold theirs.
   
   
3. Think about what's realistic. Not everything has to be done by December 31. Discuss what items can wait until January. When everyone knows the plan, the whole team carries less stress.
   
   
4. Model asking for help. Use your benefits. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential support for stress, money worries, family, and more. These programs offer emergency support to you and your family, in-person and virtual counseling sessions, health and wellness resources, financial and legal counseling, webinars, and self-assessment tools for wellbeing. Check your company intranet, reach out to your HR team, or contact Venbrook, your broker partner, if you need help finding your EAP details.

One small step this week: Choose one person on your team and check in with them. Listen, offer support, and let them know they don't have to navigate everything alone.

Cheers to a happy, healthy, and more balanced holiday season!

Read more: Alison Myers, President of Corporate Benefits & Specialty Health at Venbrook, shares four whole-person leadership skills in her Fast Company article, 4 Whole-Person Leadership Skills to Apply in the Workplace.