Merry Christmas, OK?

For some reason it's really getting to me this year. Increasingly it feels you're somehow not American if you commit the offense of saying, "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays".

Case in point from this morning.... After facilitating a 3 hour session with a group of executives, I met the meeting planner to drop off extra materials before leaving. After some brief words she said, "Happy Holidays!" From my previous interactions with her, I was confident she was celebrating Christmas this year, not Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Ramadan. So I said, "Merry Christmas!" Nearly stunned she said something to the effect of, "Thank you, Andy. I almost said that to you but didn't want to offend you."

Offend me? Is "Merry Christmas" really offensive?

Another example: earlier this month a colleague distributed her December newsletter, which as always, was very well written. Yet it had a quote in it from Agnes Pharo: “What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” Definitely warm and fuzzy, and good for her to at least mention the potentially offensive topic of Christmas! Yet that isn't what Christmas is! It's the celebration of the birth of Christ, not a Hallmark commercial. When I asked my colleague about it she kindly replied she didn't want to offend anyone.

Well, folks, how about this... "Happy Holidays" is offensive to me!

Before we go any further, it's a fair question to ask, "Is this a reasonable subject for a blog on leadership?"

Here's why I think it is... The best leaders I know have learned to effectively interact with and motivate people quite different from themselves. Despite the diversity fluff that is tossed around corporate America, effective leaders understand there are fundamental advantages to having multiple viewpoints.

Early in my career I wanted to hire people just like me, to my detriment. I learned over time that I needed to be surrounded by people who could make up for my weaknesses, grow my strengths, and see situations differently than I do. I have executive coaching clients that are quite different from me, be it race, religious beliefs, management philosophies, etc. Our differences compliment each other. I have good friends that are from different races, religions, and political bents. We enjoy each other despite our differences.

Diversity works, in the workplace and in friendships.

That said, all the political correctness brainwashing that goes on has led to very screwy results. Example from earlier this month: the Meriden Public Library in Connecticut barred pictures of Jesus in an art display. Were they playing the separation of church and state card? It's worse... Their decision was based on a policy that prohibits "inappropriate" and "offensive" fare. Turns out simply a picture of Jesus is offensive now.

As leaders, we have to leverage the power of diversity without tripping up on seemingly well intentioned but misguided extensions of it. We have to hire the best person for the job, regardless of their race. We have to confront poor performance even if it is considered offensive by the one who needs to improve. It is completely impossible to be a leader and avoid offense at all costs.

This Christmas, take a risk. Wish someone a "Merry Christmas!" instead of "Happy Holidays!" Enjoy the surprised look on their face while taking a stand against political correctness.

And with that, may I wish you and those you love a very, Merry Christmas!

For further reading, I invite you to browse this article by Dr. David C. Stolinsky, a Jewish man writing on the topic: Happy Holidays? No, Merry Christmas!

For a fine example of where politically correct holiday greetings can lead, check this out.

posted by Andy at 2:12 PM