Finding appreciation in a partially decorated tree offers management lesson

My holiday greeting this year was planned with a backdrop of a fully decorated tree. I added the beautiful white lights and cranberry strings, but time got away from me and here we are, weeks into December, and I’m still not finished. After walking by the tree for several days in that incomplete state, I realized that this situation offered an important lesson for managers in the workplace — as well as recognizing one of the best gifts you could give to someone this holiday. Watch my short video to discover what I learned.

Happy Holidays!

I had grandiose plans of a festive holiday message in front of a fully decorated Christmas tree. But as you can see, it’s not quite ready yet! I always decorate the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving because I love to enjoy it the entire season. But this year we were traveling over that time and one thing led to another and here we are weeks into December and I’m still not finished.

I started to get overwhelmed feeling like I was never going to finish all the things I need to accomplish in time, and interestingly, as the days went by, I started to realize how beautiful the tree actually is in its current state. I love the simple white lights, and the red cranberry strings, and the smell of the balsam Is so rich. Yes, I still love my ornaments, that when I take them out of their carefully stowed packages and hang them onto the tree that they transport me back to memories: times and places that I cherish.

But this tree in its current state is different, and it’s ok! It’s a wonderful reminder for us in our workplaces as we’re striving to build healthy workplace relationships. Appreciating a situation or a person for who they are in the moment and not expecting them to be different in order to be better. That’s the best gift you could give to someone this holiday.

Grace and I wish you the best of the season and joy all year long!

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