Holiday season is busy, full of lists. Here is one more - suggestions for managers that will help you ring out 2006 and move forward in 2007:

- Offer a few words of year-end appreciation to every staff member. Do this in the office, no at the holiday party, so they hear it in the context of work.

- Don’t forget holiday cards for each direct report. Address the card to the employee and their partner/spouse/family, and send it to their home address.

- If you provide a gift for one direct report, give it to all. Think in the $25-75 range. Make sure it is the kind of gift that could be opened in the office withou causing people to gasp and call Human Resources.

- Drop a wrapped box of chocolates on the desk of the two or three key administrative personnel in the operation - for instance the CEO’s secretary who always gets you in to see the boss, or the guy in the finance who expedites your check requests.

- Let your employees leave early one or two days during the holiday season so they can shop, take care of errands or just relax with loved ones.

- Clean out your inbox before you leave for your vacation, even if it means spending a few extra hours at work. Start 2007 with a clean desk.

- Welcome folks back in January. Express confidence abou the coming year and remind people of your expectations for how they will communicate and work together. It’s a good time to re-distribute important policies, like those prohibiting discrimination and harassment.

- Also in January, make sure everyone is clear on the business goals for the year and their role in helping the complany achieve the goals.

Happy Holidays!