Santa’s Proven Leadership Truths

Santa Claus is recognized around the world as a symbol of love, caring, and generosity throughout the Christmas season. Having to smile and be jolly everyday when you're wearing the same thick, hot, red-wool suit that itches like crazy is no easy task. In the spirit of the season here are eight proven leadership truths of Santa which enables him to get the most from everyone on the team and pulls off his amazing yearly feat without fail.

Build a wonderful workshop. Create a great environment. Make the mission the main thing.
Choose your reindeer wisely. Select and promote the best and brightest. Once you have brought them on board then it is all about finding out where they fit best to pull your sleigh.
Make a list and check it twice. Get organized today; not tomorrow and then plan your work and work your plan.
Listen to the elves. Pay attention to how your team members perceive you.
Get beyond the red wagons. Change happens so deal with it and help your team members deal with it too.
Share the milk and cookies. Recognize the people who are contributing. Do not hog the spotlight.
Find out who has been naughty and nice. Imperfections on any team ought to be met head on. At the other extreme, the “nice” end of the scale, don’t take the superstars for granted.
Be good for goodness sake. Lead by example. Be accountable and remember that everything counts in achieving success.

—The Coaching and Leadership Journal December 2012

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