Leadership Secrets from Santa Claus

While perusing the internet this morning, looking for Christmas leadership ideas, I ran across a list of leadership lesson we can learn from none other than the famous, Old St. Nick!  I’ve listed them below for you to consider, and provided the link to which I found them below.  Enjoy!

      1.     Santa Builds a wonderful workshop – Santa has a clear purpose, and focuses on creating an environment that allows him to soar within that purpose.

      2.     Santa is like-able – “Leaders need not be friends with those they lead, but if they want to have greater influence and impact, they must be friendly personable, and likeable.”  Sometimes, as leaders, it’s easy to become stressed or frazzled, and take it out on those that are following.  Don’t steamroll others on your quest to accomplish your goals.

      3.     Santa Inspires – “Good leaders bring out the best in others!”  Santa is able to work with the elves, and encourage and equip them to want to do their best in building toys for children everywhere!

      4.     Santa is Innovative – Just because an obstacle comes his way, Santa is undeterred!  He’s willing to take risks (like finding a red-nosed reindeer to guide his sleigh in a snowstorm), in order to accomplish his mission.

      5.     Santa chooses his reindeer wisely – Santa didn’t look at Rudolph the way that others did.  He developed his own opinions of Rudolph, and determined that he would be the best fit for the position he needed.  He filled his team with A-list individuals, placing them in positions that would allow their strengths to soar.

      6.     Santa makes a list and checks it twice – “In your climb to success, make the most of what you have, create a business plan, and know the power of a deadline.”

      7.     Santa is Consistent – You can expect that from Santa, you’ll always see an older man with a great white beard and a deep “Ho Ho Ho.”  Are the people around you seeing a consistent message day-in and day-out?

      8.     Santa listens to his elves – There is no way that Santa could accomplish everything he needs to do by himself.  He has developed a stellar team to work around him, and listens to their suggestions and ideas for improvement.  Good leaders are willing to listen to those around them.

      9.     Santa goes beyond “red wagons” – “Santa understand that great leadership is about moving hearts and minds, not just about moving presents around the world.  This season, as a leader, make an emotional connection with your team, instead of just giving them a present.”

      10. Santa has a willingness to connect personally – Very few people have actually ever met the real Santa Claus, but everyone knows that he cares about you.  “As leaders we must connect with those we lead.  It’s important and makes a difference.”

      11.  Santa shares the milk and cookies – Santa doesn’t just determine what he stands for and remain quiet about it… Instead he shares his message of joy and laughter with everyone he meets.  Are you sharing your message with others?

      12. Santa knows who’s naughty and nice – Santa knows the importance of rewarding performance, and overall accountability.  Keep tabs on your team, and be sure to praise their successes, and have conversations about blunders when you can.

      13.  Santa has impact through presence – Santa has great impact whenever people see him, whether in a holiday parade or in a mall food court.  Your presence holds great impact, make sure you are intentional in your time with others.

      14. Santa holds great Project Management Skills – He knows his mission: To deliver toys and gifts to boys and girls all over the world on one night.  In order to accomplish such a huge mission, Santa has to have a plan in action and the ability to execute it. 

      15. Santa has to sacrifice – Santa sacrifices his time, energy, and even resources to deliver toys to children everywhere with efforts to make them happy.  “Leaders must find the opportunity to create lasting impressions in the lives of their members.”

      16. Santa is the best mentor – “Yes, Santa is larger-than-life, has a larger-than-needed belly, and is overly found of red clothes.  Sometimes the best mentors are different from us – have you sought mentors that can provide you with such a fresh perspective?”

Thanks Sompong Yusoontorn!