It's approaching. The first workday of the new year. For most people, this year it will be January 5. This day is quite special in terms of communication. A little small talk will do the trick: “Did you have a good start to the new year?” is the diplomatic, classic, and possibly meaningful question to ask. Provided you mean the question seriously. If you ask a question, you must also be genuinely interested in the answer.
The most important communication skill
After all, hardly anyone wants to hear at 7 a.m. how productive the new year is starting to be. Anyone who says things like “I've already dealt with 42 emails” before the 9 a.m. break on January 5 is making themselves look suspicious in terms of communication.
The most important communication skill on January 5 is therefore listening. A question about the experiences recounted, a nod, a “Yes, I felt the same way” – that's often all it takes. Provided – see above – that you mean it seriously and are fully present. Especially now, the rule is: relationships first – performance comes later. January 5 is not a starting signal, but a cautious warm-up. Those who understand this will start the year in a more relaxed manner. When telling stories, remember: less is more. Detailed vacation reports, demonstrative high motivation, or all the details of the Christmas menu, including the more or less constructive feedback from the guests there, are not really of interest to everyone in detail.
Advice checklist
And then there's the much-discussed bonus question: how long can you wish someone a “Happy New Year”? In terms of an unwritten advice checklist: there are no official rules, only social conventions. The decisive factors are timing, frequency, and relationship.
Practical rules of thumb to take away:
- Until January 7: absolutely no problem. No one will roll their eyes.
- January 8–15: Totally fine if you are seeing or writing to each other for the first time. Typical introduction: “I know it's a little late, but Happy New Year anyway.”
- From mid-January: Only appropriate in certain situations – for example, when making initial contact for the year, in formal relationships, or in written communication.
- From February: Rather archaic in terms of communication.
And so, from the bottom of my heart: here's to reading each other again this year, and I wish all readers all the best, wonderful moments, and, of course, more valuable texts.
About the columnist:
Stefan Häseli is a communications professional, presenter, radio host, and business comedian. As a long-standing executive and CEO, he knows the mechanisms of business, media, and organizations from his own experience. In his writing, he combines sound analysis with pointed humor—clear, precise, and always with an eye on what's happening between the lines. He writes a column for Genusspunkt, offering insights into his world once a month.
Book recommendations:
- Practical Guide to Crisis Communication
Find out more about how to gain trust in crises instead of losing it here. - Kick-off – What is said, expected, and done in everyday business life
If you want to better understand the daily madness between leadership, meetings, and buzzwords, you can find out more here.
- Credible
Find out how to remain authentic between all your roles here.
