’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the station,
The rookie was stirring, with a structure fire call anticipation.
Turnout gear was hung on the apparatus with care,
In hopes that a fire would be ripping near.
The firefighters were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of eggnog cheesecake shakes danced in their heads.
The battalion chief reviewing records, and the captain ready to lead,
Had just settled down, pondering leadership creed.
When over the speakers arose such a clatter,
Firefighters sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.
Away to the truck they flew like a flash,
Opened the bay doors and responded in a dash.
With a big-bellied driver so lively and quick,
The captain knew in a moment they must lead like St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles, resolute leadership came,
The captain mirroring, St. Nick’s fame.
A personality profile, a template for us all,
Regardless of title, leaders answer the call!
So much we can glean from jolly Santa Claus,
Traits that require zero pause.
Keep on reading to gain servant leader insight,
A style from St. Nick teaches how to simply get it right.
I hope you enjoy this gift to inspire,
So grab some hot chocolate and read Firehouse Magazine by the fire.
An authentic leader continues to learn,
Striving for excellence one should yearn.
Follow the traits below to continue to grow,
Lead like St. Nick, and the benefits you will sow.
Santa, the energetic encourager
Santa is naturally accepting of others, as seen in how he sought out and empowered Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Santa saw through the initial shock of a glowing red nose and found value in the “least of these” by fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, encouragement and belief that anyone can lead.
So, leaders, look for the “Rudolphs” on your crew and empower them to try something new and to believe in their abilities.
Santa is social and outgoing and knows how to rally a team. He creates an atmosphere of positive cheer while working, as his elves spend time to benefit others’ joyful experience. Although I assume there is some elf hierarchy, Santa is the “head coach” and established a trusting tone for his team to never settle for the status quo.
This is a fantastic example for all people who are in leadership positions, to recognize just how influential they really can be and how a team feeds off of their energy or lack thereof. If you aren’t the “outgoing type,” try to work on skills that engage others. If you are outgoing, make sure not to dominate the room. Either way, rally your team through inspiration and believing in the magic that can change attitudes.
Santa is a radical optimist who has a huge heart, to reach all of the children in the world in one night. His idealism is matched by his unrelenting energy, as he comes up with new ideas, coupled with age-old practices, to discover how ingenuity, creativity and accountability affect others. Even though coal could be an option for the “naughty list,” the very thought that Santa knows whether someone’s been bad or good can be a motivator to move to the “nice list” from among the naughty.
As officers, accountability works both ways. As a radical optimist, be creative in how you inspire your people with unrelenting energy as well as unrelenting accountability, regardless of the naughty or nice list.
Claus, the consummate caregiver
Claus is eager to help others, is perceptive to the needs of others and exemplifies a loving, friendly attitude toward children of all ages. The “Claus Magic” can be infectious when leaders recognize who they serve, why they serve and the magic that instills caring for others above self.
Officers and those who are in formal leadership positions are absolutely responsible for taking care of those who are entrusted into their care. Connect with others by asking questions, actively listen to them, give eye contact, affectionately embrace them and balance attention to those who are around you.
Claus is experience-oriented and doesn’t contemplate complicated problems. Rather, he is a man of action, accepts challenges and finds joy in the process. This is leadership in action, and as leaders, you must be people of action, accept challenges and create opportunities of growth instead of identifying problems. Create an experience for your people in which they love the job. Don’t diminish the joy of how our newest people love the job.
As the consummate caregiver, embrace and understand not just how you must serve your people with joy but why it’s your calling to model St. Nick, to respond to your people’s needs quick, quick, quick!
As we draw closer to one of the most magical nights of all,
Remember that each of you have chosen this call.
From leader to servant, the relationship shall ensue,
With hopes of mentoring, a job you must do.
Sleighing leadership like Ol’ St. Nick,
Bringing joy to our people, our number one pick.
So put on your suit and be the present our people need,
Encourager and caregiver, our leadership creed!
