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  

Life Lessons from a Taxi Driver

I'm in Philadelphia this week facilitating sessions at the University of Pennsylvania Health System and for CIGNA. On the taxi ride over to the university hospital this morning I had a most intriguing conversation with the driver.

The rumpled clothing, uncombed hair, and 3 day beard growth completely betrayed the insights he related as he drove. Here are a couple snapshots:

• "This (driving a taxi) can either be a job or a sentence. I can never out-drive this car. Too many guys drive themselves to the grave, working just a little bit longer for just a little bit more. For me, it's a job, not a sentence."


• "I drive until I make the amount we need. If I make that amount by 10:00am, I go home at ten. If I make it at 1:30pm, that's when I go home. We're not independently wealthy--we just don't need a lot."


• "I've driven in this city over 35 years. You're going to the university hospital? Do you know how wonderful that place is? Our town is filled with great hospitals. It's the best place to get sick. If you're dying and have only two words left, say 'Phila-delphia!'"

I work with professionals at all levels of organizations. In their heart of hearts, their current job is often more a sentence than a job. By saying it's a job, he's not saying he doesn't care. Let's face it--most of us have been in a taxi cab when you're not sure the taxi driver cares! :) This guy cared--it's just that he wasn't a slave to it.

Are you working a job or living out a sentence? It's a critical question to ask. How difficult is it to get out of bed in the morning to go to work? How much satisfaction do you get out of what you get paid to do? How aligned are your responsibilities and the gifts & passions you were created with? A job or a sentence.... which is it?

Would you be able to go home at 10:00am if you made your dime by then? That's a challenging question for me. As the owner of a young and growing company, saying "No" or "Wait until tomorrow" is certainly not something that comes easy--nor should it. Yet our culture is one of few that would take more money over more time off. What's up with that? How much is enough?

The third bullet point just made me smile--the pride he showed in his city. He knows this place... it's home. Hey, Philadelphia's a nice town but I'd take Chicago (my hometown) over Philly any day, but not this guy... because it's his home. His roots are deep here. In a world that is changing rapidly, filled with ambiguity, with players & rules seemingly changing all the time, my taxi driving friend reminds us of the value of putting those roots down deep.

I did my best to pour into the great people of the University of Pennsylvania Health System today. He was right about those people--they're among the best of any hospital in the nation.

Yet the best lessons of the day for me came from a 35 year veteran of the Philly streets who goes to sleep tonight content with little when most in this great city go to bed wanting more....

As I stepped out of the cab into a surprisingly warm December morning, I thanked my new mentor and said, "May you get your dime by ten today!"

And may you as well.

posted by Andy at 9:53 PM