Dr. Darnell A. Durrah

The End of the Year: A Time to Listen, Reflect, and Build Together

As the holiday season draws near, it’s a time of both reflection and anticipation—a moment to celebrate successes while preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the new year. For leaders, this season offers a unique opportunity to connect with their teams, listen deeply, and ensure their workplace fosters alignment between individual goals and organizational success.

Recently, I took a moment to gauge the pulse of my team. I wanted to understand what’s working, what could be improved, and where adjustments or sustainment efforts are most needed. The results provided an honest and insightful snapshot of where we stand as an organization.

What We Value During the Holidays

In one exercise, I asked my team, “What do you enjoy about the holiday season?” The responses painted a heartwarming picture of what matters most to them:

Words like family, time off, and holiday cheer dominated the feedback, highlighting the importance of connection, gratitude, and rest. It’s a reminder that quality of life—both inside and outside the workplace—deeply influences how employees engage at work.

How We Feel About Our Work

Another question asked the team to describe their current employee satisfaction in one word. The responses were as varied as they were revealing:


Words like gratification, team, and good stood out as positive reflections, but other terms like overworked, disheveled, and indignant signaled areas where improvement is needed. This exercise was eye-opening, providing a snapshot of the diverse emotions that exist within the team.

These insights are invaluable because they allow us to reflect on how employees feel about their current state while also identifying potential areas for growth.

Listening as the Foundation for Change

The feedback my team provided wasn’t just an exercise—it was a call to action. Research shows that when employees feel heard, trust in leadership grows, and satisfaction increases. A workplace that fosters open dialogue isn’t just a better place to work; it’s one that thrives.

As leaders, we need to ask ourselves:

Are we actively creating opportunities for honest conversations?

Are we addressing areas of concern and celebrating what’s going well?

Are we ensuring that our people feel supported and aligned with the organization’s goals?

Quality of Life as a Key to Success

The responses also underscore the critical role that quality of life plays in employee satisfaction. Balance, recognition, and purpose aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re essential. When employees feel they have the time and space to connect with family, recharge, and pursue personal growth, they’re better able to bring their best selves to work.

This holiday season, I’m reminded of the importance of creating a workplace that values individuals—not just for what they contribute but for who they are.

Building for a Stronger New Year

As we look toward 2025, it’s time to take these insights and use them to guide our next steps. Here’s how I plan to move forward:

1. Sustain What’s Working: Positive feedback about connection and teamwork will be celebrated and reinforced.

2. Address Challenges: The concerns raised, such as feeling overworked or disconnected, will be met with intentional changes, like revisiting workloads and fostering better communication.

3. Realign Goals: I’ll continue working with my team to ensure they see how their individual aspirations align with the organization’s mission.

As leaders, we have the privilege and responsibility to shape the environment our teams work in. By listening to our people, addressing their concerns, and celebrating their wins, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

This year, I’m committed to giving my team the gift of being heard—and to using their insights to build a stronger, more supportive workplace for the year ahead. Let’s close out this year with gratitude and gear up for an even brighter 2025!