Of Christmas and Leadership

John Kanengieter
Director for Leadership

It’s my favorite time of the year…..Christmas time……some folks love it, some hate it, some just survive through it. I know, it’s all gone commercial and there are crazy people running around trying to find this year’s version of “Tickle Me Elmo” for some spoiled nephew. People are fighting for parking spots and there are a hundred obligatory events to run to. Nonetheless, I choose to love it.

Every year I ask myself, everyday starting Dec 1 (my personal, official, start of the Christmas season), “What am I going to do today to make this the best Christmas ever?” Truly. It’s a habit I’ve created for myself and I really mean it and I don’t care if it sounds a little Pollyannaish. It usually happens when I’m walking to my office at NOLS in the bright sunshine and crunchy snow for the effect. I don’t always succeed, and some days are better than others, but I put the intention out there like a good headlamp on a dark night. It makes me happy, but more importantly, I find that I end up doing helpful things for people, which in turn I guess, makes me happier. I also then see others helping. It’s practicing simple, good, Expedition Behavior (EB)-a leadership skill we teach at NOLS.

If ever there was a time when the world aligns closest to a collective “good EB” consciousness, this is it people! And yeah, I know, there’s all kinds of negative stuff going on out there too. But you know what? There always will be. It really comes down to a simple choice-look at the positive, or be frustrated with the negative. Sounds just like being on a NOLS course doesn’t it.

So, today as I sit on a plane, traveling across the country for work, I ask myself, “what am I going to do today to make this the best Christmas ever?” Well, maybe today that answer is in asking you the same question.

What are you going to do today for others to make this the best Christmas ever?