As we step into September with sand still in our shoes and sun still in our hearts, there’s no denying the shift. The traditional ‘vacation mode’ is fading, school buses are back, and inboxes are full again. We’ve crossed the halfway mark of the year—and for many teams, that late-summer sluggishness is real.
August may have left us rested, but it also left us a little… fuzzy. And for those of us in nonprofit and mission-driven work, this time of year can feel like a deep breath before the sprint.
We know that strong teams don’t just survive this season—they thrive in it. But that doesn’t happen by accident. It requires leaders to be intentional, present, and human. So, if your team is coming back from vacation running on empty instead of inspired, here are a few ways to rally the energy and finish the year strong.
1. Start with Stories, Not To-Do Lists
One of my favorite ways to bring the team back together post-summer is to hold a “Welcome Back” group huddle. But instead of diving straight into goals or numbers, we start with something simple: sharing.
We ask questions like:
- What was a moment of joy for you this summer?
- Who did you get to spend time with?
- Did you explore somewhere new—or just finally rest?
When people feel seen, they show up with more energy. Stories connect us. At Gateway, where we value communication at the core of everything we do, giving space to listen first isn’t just a team-building exercise—it’s a reflection of our values in action.
2. Make the Mission Visible Again
It’s easy to lose sight of the big picture when day-to-day tasks pile up. That’s why I encourage leaders to re-center the mission in everything we do—especially in seasons when motivation may be low.
For us at Gateway, this means reminding each other:
- Why our ASL interpreters show up—even when schedules are packed.
- Why our therapists go the extra mile with a client.
- Why our teachers show up for kids who’ve struggled to find their voice.
Your team’s mission might look different—but the principle is the same: Remind your people that their work matters.
3. Set a Goal You Can Win
The end-of-year sprint can feel like a mountain. So, break it down. Identify a “quick win” project your team can accomplish in the next 30–60 days. Something meaningful but doable.
When we give our team a chance to complete something, celebrate it, and feel momentum—it creates motivation for what’s next. At Gateway, we often use this time to roll out short-term initiatives that build toward bigger year-end outcomes, like community engagement campaigns or staff appreciation projects.
Progress sparks progress.
- Show Gratitude Publicly and Often
Coming off summer, people are giving their energy back to work—and they need to feel that it matters. As leaders, this is our time to over-communicate appreciation.
At Gateway, we recognize one ‘Gateway Gold’ staff member who went above and beyond each quarter. We highlight team wins in our internal emails. We celebrate birthdays and milestones with intention.
Recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate—it just has to be real.
5. Make Room for Flexibility Without Losing Accountability
September is a good time to re-calibrate. Your team is looking for structure, but not rigidity. Think of it like tightening the sail, not dropping the anchor.
Create clear expectations around deliverables, but allow people some autonomy in how they get there. Ask your team what they need to finish the year strong. You might be surprised by their answers.
Flexibility, paired with clarity, builds trust—and trust builds momentum.
6. Lead Like a Human
As we transition into fall, it’s worth remembering: Motivation isn’t something we can force. But we can cultivate the conditions where it can grow.
Be open about your own journey back from vacation-mode. Let your team know that you, too, have had to adjust. When leaders show vulnerability, they invite authenticity—and with it, renewed connection.
Final Thoughts: From Vacation Brain to Vision Brain
Gateway has always believed that communication is at the heart of connection—and connection is what fuels real, lasting motivation. When we come back from rest, we have a rare chance: to reset with purpose.
Let’s not just count down the days to the end of the year—let’s fill them with intention, connection, and celebration. Let’s show up for each other, for our mission, and for the communities we serve.
Whether you’re leading a small team or a whole department, remember: Motivation doesn’t start with a spreadsheet. It starts with a conversation.
By Emilie Aguilar
Learn More About Gateway
Gateway gives hope, changes lives, and builds connections for Marylanders. Gateway connects people to their worlds and aids individuals in their ability to understand and to be understood. Gateway has grown into an organization that serves more than 8,000 children and adults every year, helping them communicate more effectively. With programming both on our Baltimore campus and through community-based programming, we provide education, access, and medical support to anyone who needs it.
We envision a society where everyone can understand and be understood and where everyone is treated with integrity, compassion, and equity.
