Leadership Viewpoint

I have to do this. My spouse wants me to do that. It wouldn’t be the holidays unless I do… Blah blah blah!

Too many of us run around like crazy people at this time of year. Calm down. We get the really important things done. We do the things we really want to do. There’s no reason that absolutely everything must happen by a specific date. Some things can wait. Plan accordingly.

An old friend and I decided to wait until January to exchange gifts. Why? Because we want to take the time to enjoy each other’s company and focus on each other and the sentiment behind the lovely gifts. Besides, another rich meal is about the last thing either of us need right now. We might even be hungry again by January!

You have a choice – pick and choose – and enjoy the season!

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As I listened to Donald Rumsfeld’s farewell speech, I couldn’t help but think about character. Do we, as leaders and future leaders in the U.S., have the character it will take to endure the challenges that we will no doubt face in the coming years? Many analysts predict that the ‘War on Terror’ will persist for decades, perhaps longer than the Cold War. I am reminded that anybody can seem to exude high standards of character when times are easy. Real character, however, is exhibited when times are challenging. Let’s be up to the challenge!

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Holiday Stress

As we work with a myriad of people during this particularly harried time of year, it occurs to me that stress and time management techniques simply must come to the fore. First, stop and take a deep breath – your brain deserves some oxygen! Now take a moment and prioritize your tasks.

- What really needs to be done and when?
- What would be nice if you had the time?
- What are you really dreading?
- Can it be delegated or hired out?

A few moments of planning will pay huge dividends right now. Take another deep breath. You’re worth it!

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