Image Credit: Depositphotos

The mid-year point brings two things: (1) the infamous “messy middle” and (2) the innate urge to slow the pace and reflect on life, business, and the goals for each. The new year and its resolutions, new initiatives, and initial productivity are now distant in the rear-view mirror.

For most people, the first few months of the year are some of the most productive. But that productivity can leave chaos in its aftermath. With autumn will come the most productive time of the year. But in the middle is summer, the perfect time to recalibrate, reflect, and re-focus.

It is the time of year when, personally and professionally, there is a different kind of energy.

How can you, as a leader, capitalize on this energy? And how can you help your team make the most of it as well?

The key is to anticipate it and to use its momentum to catapult your team into a highly productive fall.

Here are three key ways to make the most of this summer season.

Organize

After any busy period, there will inevitably be clutter. And the first part of the year certainly is a very busy period! Summer is a great time to tie up loose ends, get rid of things you no longer need, and organize what is left.

Keep in mind that clutter comes in many forms: mental, physical, emotional, digital, paper, projects, and schedule, just to name a few. Take time to corral all the clutter, then clear away the excess. Is what you’re holding onto still relevant and important? Is it time to re-think your schedule and routines for this season?

Once you have cleared the clutter, you can organize what remains in a way that prepares you for the high productivity season to come.

If organizing is a challenge, try doing so according to your style.

If you are “D” wired, break things out into separate batches and create a direct path to decisions, actions, and finding what you need.

If you are “I” wired, make it fun by organizing by color and finding a way to capture your ideas in one place. Ideally, that one place will be portable so it can move around with you during this season, allowing you to work in quick snippets of time while on the move.

If you are “S” wired, this is your chance to return to the order that brings you harmony. Be sure to take time to document any new processes, rearrange your work area for comfort, and have a plan to reconnect with your friends and family during this season.

If you are “C” wired, a clear desk is truly the equivalent of a clear mind. The idea of “a place for everything, and everything in its place” was made for you. This is a great time to clear both your mind and your work area in order to prepare for the active season ahead.

Optimize

Reflect on the first part of the year.

What went well?

What results did you and your team achieve?

What could be improved?

What efficiencies can you capture?

What needs to be documented for the business?

Strategize

Summer naturally brings a focus on a slower pace, vacation experiences, and on people and connections. How can you, as a leader, use this focus to bring value to your business?

This is a great time to focus on maintenance projects, administrative initiatives, process improvements and documentation, and on making people connections in your business. This may include small team events, special customer incentives, and a focus on customer service. It definitely includes allowing your team to do the type of work that re-energizes them for the season to come.

The fourth quarter of the year is the most intense, productive, and profitable for almost all businesses. What you and your team do this summer to re-energize and prepare for that time is golden.

Summer is also the perfect time to strategize for the fall. Considering now what will launch in Quarter 4 gives your team time to prepare and deliver with excellence.

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer, and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, and using the Maxwell Method, Deb helps leaders and teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results