9 Leadership Lessons - By S. Claus

We all have challenges, and  St. Nick is no exception. Think of the disappointment around the world should he get discouraged by challenges and call it a day rather than persevere in order to keep the holiday spirit alive!  This leader understands the value of his influence on others, and what it takes to maintain success.

1. Build a Wonderful Workshop. I have a clear purpose and vision. By creating expectations and values we are all able to go back to the basics to find clear answers when we are under stress.  My elves have been with me for centuries because of the great culture!
2. Be Approachable. I don't have to be best friends with all of the elves in the workshop, but I've learned over the centuries that to be influential, I must make it easy for others to communicate with me.  When I'm kind and personable, the elves come to me instead of gossip amongst themselves. 
3. Inspire Others.  I do all that I can to bring out the best in people, because I understand that I will have the best chance of reaching my vision when I do so. It serves no purpose for me to be in a bad mood. Yes, there are days when things just aren’t going well and I would much rather curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and some cookies by myself.  But those are the times when it’s most important for me to step up and lead, engaging others and encouraging them to achieve great things. Would your elves describe you as 'inspiring'?
4. Be Innovative. When an obstacle appears, I find a way to overcome it. This often means bucking the past and taking a risk to try something totally new that we’ve never tried before. Many Christmas Eves ago, I had to put Rudolph out front to guide the way on a very foggy night. We’ve never had that happen before! I think back to that night on several occasions and wonder that if we had done things the old way, oh what a disaster that could have been. What would you try if you weren’t afraid?
5. Choose Your Reindeer Wisely. While all of the others on the team look down at Rudolph, I saw his unique strengths. I saw how he could contribute in a way that others could not. I learned a long time ago to choose elves and reindeer that had strengths that I did not, and I learned to show more confidence and them than they had in themselves. 
6. Make a List and Check it Twice. The presents must be made, wrapped and loaded on the sleigh to be delivered by December 25 – every year without fail. My procrastination could put a hitch in the entire plan. Hold yourself and your team accountable and understand the power of a target date.
7. Listen to the Elves. There is no way I could get it all done by myself. I am just a front man for something much larger. Without all of my elves and my reindeer, I could not accomplish our vision. I asked their input often and give them permission to help keep me on track.
8. Find Out Who’s Naughty and Who’s Nice. As a leader, I understand the importance of taking personal accountability for quality, especially when it comes to people and performance. I take time to recognize my elves for a job well done. When someone on my team is holding us back from vision, I don’t turn a blind eye. We simply cannot afford to have distractions. Last year, Blitzen was having a heck of a time at home. I let him know that I needed him present and offered my support.
9. Remember Your 'Why'.  I know that my leadership has the potential to move hearts and minds by giving people hope and influence a giving spirit.  What we do at the North Pole isn't just about delivering presents around the world.  As a leader, my 'why' is to promote serving others – Not just this time of year, but all year long!