I’ve always loved Santa.  As a child I wondered how he could accomplish so much with just the assistance of Mrs. Claus and a few elves.  “The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus” by Eric Harvey explains all.

1. Build a wonderful workshop
   1. Make the mission the main thing
   2. Focus on your people as well as your purpose
   3. Let values be your guide
2. Choose your reindeer wisely
   1. Hire tough so you can manage easy
   2. Promote the right ones … for the right reasons
   3. Go for the diversity advantage
3. Make a list and check it twice
   1. Plan your work
   2. Work your plan
   3. Make the most of what you have
4. Listen to the elves
   1. Open your ears to participation
   2. Pay attention to how you’re perceived
   3. Walk awhile in their shoes
5. Say Ho Ho Ho, but don’t forget the snow
   1. Build contagious enthusiasm
   2. Expect the unexpected
   3. Solve problems … together
6. Give them gifts that last a lifetime
   1. Teach success skills
   2. Reinforce relationships
   3. Foster pride and professionalism
7. Go beyond the red wagons
   1. Help everyone accept the reality of change
   2. Remember: the customer is really in charge
   3. Teach “the business” of the business
8. Share the milk and cookies
   1. Help the elves see the difference they make
   2. Do right by those who do right
   3. Expand the reinforcement possibilities
9. Find out who’s naughty and nice
   1. Confront performance problems early
   2. Coach “the majority in the middle
   3. Don’t forget the super stars
10. Be good for goodness sake
    1. Set the example
    2. Establish guidelines and accountability
    3. Remember that everything counts

When Santa gets bogged down in busyness and details, he tells himself, “People need me, they depend on me.  We’re doing something important here and knowing that gives me the energy to carry the sack, lead the pack and keep coming back.”

May your holiday season be special, filled with love and laughter.  Remember like Santa, people need you, they depend on you.  You’re doing something important and that will give you the energy to carry the sack, lead the pack and keep coming back.

The road is easier together,
Linda