Leading with Light - Cultivating Joy and Connection in Your Leadership
The core of the holiday season is connection, warmth, and a shared sense of joy. Ironically, these very qualities are the foundation of effective, inspiring leadership excellence. December offers a powerful, organic chance to practice these skills, not just at home, but in your professional influence.
How can we translate the spirit of the holidays into tangible, year-round leadership practices? It starts with two key elements: profound appreciation and conscious positive influence.
Leadership Excellence: The Culture of Gratitude
A leader who genuinely appreciates their team doesn't just see a workforce; they see the unique strengths and contributions of individuals, and potential of what will come.
The Power of Specificity: Instead of a generic "Thanks for your hard work," elevate your appreciation. Use this December to send personalized messages (not mass emails) to key team members. Reference a specific project, challenge, or moment where their contribution shone. “Thank you for how you handled the Q3 client negotiations; your persistence saved the account and demonstrated true team loyalty.” Be sure to include the impact that the contribution provided. This act models Vulnerability, Trust, and Recognition - core leadership traits.
Appreciation as Data: Treat appreciation as valuable data. When you notice what you appreciate, you are identifying your team's most effective strengths. Catalog these insights for better delegation, recognition, and development in the coming year.
Positive Intelligence™: Fueling Joy with Connection
In PQ™, the opposite of the Saboteur reaction (like the Controller or Stickler) is the Sage Power of Connect. The holidays are a perfect laboratory for strengthening this power.
Shifting Focus: When attending a gathering, whether personal or professional, resist the urge to network or plan. Instead, practice the Sage Power of Empathy. Focus entirely on the person in front of you. Ask an open-ended question and just listen. Put your phone away, make eye contact, and let them know, non-verbally, that they are the most important person in the room right now.
The Shared Joy Rep: Consciously look for moments of shared laughter and connection. When you feel a genuine sense of warmth or joy, pause for just a few seconds and truly feel it. This is a PQ Rep that strengthens the neural pathways for positive emotions and resilience, moving you away from the negativity of the Victim or Restless Saboteurs.
Reflection: Setting Your North Star
As you take time to be still, focus your reflection not just on the what of the year, but the who and the why.
Who were the three people who made the biggest positive difference in your life this year? Make time to tell them.
What is the core legacy, or positive imprint, you want to leave on your team and family in the new year? This helps anchor your future plans in your deeper values, a cornerstone of executive coaching for purpose-driven leadership.
Actionable Takeaway: Identify two people (one professional, one personal) who deserve your specific, heartfelt appreciation. Reach out to them this week with a personalized, non-work-related message simply to acknowledge their value.