3 Common Mistakes Leaders Make at Year-End

As the end of the year approaches, the feeling of mounting pressure is a natural reality for some leaders. Budgets need finalizing, projects need wrapping up, and there’s a constant rush to cross the finish line strong. Yet, in the scramble, it’s also easy to unknowingly fall into traps that leave you feeling drained rather than accomplished.

Here are three of the most common mistakes I see leaders make in this season—and how you can avoid them to close out the year with clarity and confidence.

1. Barreling through without a clear strategy.

When the pressure is on, shifting into overdrive is a reactive solution. Many leaders assume that pushing harder and working longer hours is the best way to end the year on a high note. But here’s the catch: without a clear strategy, all that effort can end up being wasted.

Instead of focusing on the tasks that truly move the needle, leaders often get bogged down with busywork, trying to do it all. 

The result? 

Burnout, stress, and a feeling of being stuck in a never-ending cycle.

What to do instead: Pause. Take a moment to step back and reassess your priorities. Ask yourself: What are the most impactful tasks that will help you reach your year-end goals? By focusing your energy on strategic priorities rather than spreading yourself too thin, you can accomplish more with less stress.

2. Working nonstop to "Clear the Decks" before vacation.

We’ve all been there — the frantic rush to wrap up everything before taking that much-needed break. The inbox is overflowing, deadlines are looming, and you feel like you can’t leave until it’s all done. 

But here’s the irony…

In trying to “clear the decks,” many leaders push themselves to the brink, leaving them too exhausted to truly enjoy their time off.

This all-or-nothing approach to vacation preparation not only drains your energy but also sets unrealistic expectations for yourself. By the time your break rolls around, you’re too tired to actually relax and recharge.

What to do instead: Set realistic boundaries around your time. Prioritize what absolutely needs to be done and let go of the rest. Remember, the goal of taking time off is to rejuvenate. Consider blocking off an hour each day for “deep work” so you can focus on critical tasks, and then give yourself permission to close the laptop and step away.

3. Taking on all the extra work to make things easier for your team.

Leadership often comes with a sense of responsibility to protect your team from stress. This can result in leaders taking on extra work to lighten the load for others. 

While this may seem like a noble gesture, it can quickly backfire.

By trying to shield your team from the pressure, you’re not only overextending yourself—you’re also robbing your team of opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute. Delegation isn’t just about getting tasks off your plate; it’s about empowering your team and fostering their creativity.

What to do instead: Trust your team to handle more. Delegating tasks not only lightens your own load but also gives your team members a chance to stretch their skills and demonstrate their capabilities. Start small—assign a project to a team member you trust and watch how they rise to the challenge.

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About Lindsay Harris and Leader Haven

An Executive Coach, Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and Positive Intelligence Coach, Lindsay established Leader Haven to help weary leaders reclaim motivation and joy in their work.. With experience coaching hundreds of executives, Lindsay is on a mission to build The Joy Generation—a generation of all ages that seeks to generate joy at work through inner work, trust building, renewed collaboration, and healthy empowerment.