The Kris Kringle Leadership Academy
"Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing." Santa Clause
Picture me, prancing (pun intended) around the kitchen with my wife Leslie to the sounds of the Burl Ives Christmas playlist on Spotify, thinking about leadership. On second thought, don't picture that. It might spoil your holiday. As I navigate the earth pondering leadership considering my next blog, I thought about this time of year, more specifically its leadership figure, Kris Kringle - more commonly known as Santa Claus. My wheels began to turn and I said to my wife, as I often do, "blog post!"
Welcome to the Kris Kringle Leadership Academy. I'll call him Santa from this point forward. There is much to be learned in this institution of leadership - both good and bad. Here we go.
Santa, remains calm as Mrs. Claus questions his plumpness and as the elves lose their s&@t. He has presents to deliver to every child across the world in one night. That's impossible! Through all this he keeps his cool. He remains confident and unflappable. Lesson: Leaders remain calm during times of crisis.
His jolly, optimistic demeanor captures the room. His energy is infectious. He fosters a culture of joy and happiness. You can count on Santa for a smile and his full attention when you approach him. Lessons: Leaders set tone. They are engaged. Leaders engage in active listening.
He makes a list and checks it twice. He's gonna find out who's naughty or nice. Lessons: He's not keeping score with the intent to take someone down but he knows it to be his responsibility to know who the bad apples are. Each of his subordinates will know so he better. He checks things because, as a leader, he understands it is important for him to have assurance that things are how they appear.
He missed the failed leadership of one of his subordinate elf leaders. Remember the senior elf dude in the 1964 claymation movie Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, who ridiculed one of his elves who wanted to be a dentist instead of a toy-maker? Santa failed to see this and address it. Lessons: Know those who lead below you and how effective their leadership is. Visit with the 'troops' at the lowest level of the organization. You'll discover things you would not otherwise.
Santa, saw something in Rudolph no one else saw. He looked beyond his annoying blinking nose to see the true value that Rudolph brought to the organization. When Santa singled out Rudolph he flourished as a member of the team. Lessons: Leaders wear different lenses. They see things others may not. They take chances on people. They are "Multiplier" leaders as Liz Wiseman illustrates in her book Multipliers.
Santa allowed there to be an island of misfit toys where a Charlie in the Box, a train with square wheels and a non-floating boat resided. As a king toy-maker and leader, Santa failed to step in and address this isolated group of misfits. Lessons: Leaders are responsible for belonging and inclusion. If misfits cannot contribute in some fashion, they should be voted off the island. Has anyone taken the time to train these misfits? Perhaps they have something to contribute as Rudolph did.
There you have it. Lessons from the jolly old fellow. Toys aren't the only thing Santa has in his red bag. As you sample the myriad of Christmas cookies, sip your hot chocolate, and gather with loved ones this season, take time to consider the leadership lessons taught at the Kris Kringle Leadership Academy.
With this blog and a total of 42,295 words, I close out 2022. It has been a year of personal and professional growth. I'm thankful for the opportunity to share my musings with you each week. I hope these blogs have helped you invest in your people. I've got mountains of content for 2023 and I look forward to another year of leadership lessons from the battlefield to the boardroom.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Rob Campbell Leadership.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell