Santa and his team have been bringing Christmas cheer to billions of people every year for a long time. How does he make the whole thing work? And what lessons can we learn from him and the whole gang up North?
Well, I think I’ve got part of his magic figured out. At least I think I do …
See, here’s the thing. Sometimes the best lessons in life come from the most unusual of circumstances. And I think we can agree that everything that surrounds the fat man is unusual by our mortal standards. Giving yourself permission to explore the true magical takeaways from Santa could just change your life.
So let’s explore seven lessons I have learned from Santa and the team at the workshop way up on top of the world.
You Must Have A Plan. The dude obviously has a plan to be able to achieve what he does every year for all of those children. Depending on luck is not how he ensures that every toy he needs is in the sleigh on Christmas night. The details must be incredible. There must be something to that whole “making a list and checking it twice” regalia that we sing about. I am certain Santa knows that HOPE is not a plan. Details boys … details!!
You’re Only As Good As The People Around You. Santa himself cannot even begin to tackle everything that’s required to pull off the monumental task he achieves every year on Christmas. He must depend on the elves to manufacture all of the toys and to assist him with every last administrative detail necessary for success. The engineer elves design all of the cool new toys each year. And, beautiful Mrs. Claus is always there to provide him support and love. Santa would easily be the Grinch without the support of those around him.
One Day Can Make Or Break You. Ole Saint Nick has one day a year to be a hero or a zero. And he knows it. Santa makes a promise every year to all of the boys and girls around the world that he will deliver toys and other goodies on Christmas night. By my calculations, he is batting 1,000%! Keeping his promise is what keeps the kids coming back year after year. And maintaining that promise allows everyone to have tremendous trust in him.
Manage and Document Performance. “He knows who is naughty and who is nice.” Hmmm. Never thought about how profound that statement is when put into the context of leadership and parenting. Santa is very clear on his expected behaviors – be good and helpful at home, at school and in all aspects of your life. He also has defined the rewards that go to those who behave in such a way – toys and goodies for the good ones and lumps of coal for the bad ones. And you find out every year how you performed!! Set expectations and reward proper behaviors – not just at work but also in all areas of your life.
The Joy Is In The Giving More Than The Receiving. The man gives and gives and gives and all he wants in return are a hug and a thank you. That is servant leadership if I have ever seen it. It is a great model to emulate in your lives. Ramp up the giving and you will receive more than you ever dreamed possible in return.
What Others See As Impossible Can Be Possible For Me. Fly around the world in a sleigh full of toys for billions of girls and boys. Land on rooftops. Flying reindeer. Slide down chimneys into houses. Eat 40 million cookies in one night. Elves … Enough said. The first step in achieving goals is believing that you can and will do it. Believing that once you take the first step towards the goal nothing can stop you. The moment Rudolph’s hooves lift off of the ground Santa knows it’s gonna be a good night. What or who is your Rudolph?
Lastly, It’s OK To Eat Cookies Everywhere You Go! I love cookies – more than most foods in my life. Santa has given me permission to eat cookies everywhere I go. Anyone that knows me can attest to the fact that my favorite cookie is … the next one I will eat. Enjoy what you like is the message here. Allow yourself to be a kid when you can.
Santa Claus is more than a mystery – he is a great teacher of life and leadership. Every year on that fateful night he must dare to be amazing. And he is!!
I’ve strapped on the Santa suit dozens of times in my life for the enjoyment of thousands of children (yep, that's me in the picture above). And every time it is a special experience. I respect the role that I am playing and the responsibility that comes along with representing one of the greatest leaders of all time. What he stands for and how he does it is a model from which everyone can learn.
What has Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas taught you in your life? I would love to hear from all of you about your relationship with Santa.
Look around you this holiday season and notice the lessons to be learned. Embrace the true magic and miracles of Christmas and honor them in your life. And share those newfound joys with anyone who will listen. Santa is watching, so make him proud.
Your life (and your business) becomes amazing when you do. And your life is happening right here, right now. Make it amazing – I dare ya!
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