Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!

To all of my friends here on the Leader Business blog, please let me wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season! I thank you for helping shape my leadership journey and for allowing me to be a part of yours! May we continue to grow together in 2010!

Please remember the men and women who are separated from their families during the holidays. As shown in the video above, technology helps close the distance, and I will be grateful for that during my own deployment next year. But they certainly need our prayers for their continued safety and for success in their mission! Thanks to all of them for what they are doing for all of us. Freedom is not free and we should be grateful for those who are paying the price around the world.

Please remember our leaders, especially those who are deployed and doing all they can to keep morale high during the difficulties of separation. On Christmas in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, as was the case in previous conflicts, the mission still goes on. Strong leadership from nameless men and women leaders helps deal with harsh conditions, difficult missions, and the emotions that come with separation during the holidays. Thanks to all of them for what they are doing!

Happy Holidays to the troops and to all of you. That's Leader Business!

Honoring our Vets

In 1918, the "Great War" ended with an armistice at the 11th hour of the 11th day of November. A year later, United States President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the first anniversary of this event with the following proclamation:

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed legislation into law changing "Armistice Day" to what we now celebrate as "Veteran's Day." This National holiday serves as an annual remembrance of the sacrifices of our Nation's veterans and their contributions to our current peace and prosperity.

Today, despite the challenges of ongoing wars, and amid the sorrow and heartbreak that we share with the Soldiers and families at Fort Hood, Texas, we pause again to honor those who have served. We thank them for their willingness to put their country above self, to subordinate personal comfort to the cause of freedom, and to serve in the defense of those who often cannot defend themselves. We honor the brave men and women -- and their families -- who have given so much, who have written our history, who have enabled the success which we now enjoy. We honor and thank our Veterans.

I saw the sacrifice of another generation when I walked the battlefield on which my Father had fought in Viet Nam almost 40 years ago. Together with my brothers, we gained an appreciation for the difficulties of a foreign land, a hostile enemy, and a ridiculously challenging climate (hot + humid...UGH!). I saw the sacrifices of the "Greatest Generation" when I followed the trails of the Battle of the Bulge in Eastern France and Luxembourg. And we've all seen the sacrifices of today's generation on difficult battlefields in Iraq, and Afghanistan. The word that unites them all -- sacrifice -- is the source of our pride and admiration.

Today, our Veteran's still need our thanks. They deserve our fullest support for quality education and medical programs. They deserve our consideration for employment and contracting opportunities. And their families equally deserve our appreciation for their sacrifices in support of their loved ones!

Thanks to our Vets! Would you all join me in remembering the sacrifices of those who have worn the uniform and, in some cases, made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of liberty. Would you thank the vets you work with or who you pass on the street? Would you honor them for their service? That's the reason this day is special and why President Wilson said our reflections should be filled with solemn pride. And that is...Leader Business!

Image courtesy of www.history.army.mil.

Holiday Leadership

Leaders

What does the holiday season mean to you? Is it a reason to stress over gifts, travel, political correctness, and debt? Or is it a time to celebrate family, friends, and the reason for the season? Do you put your leadership on hold (and focus inward) or do you continue to make a difference for others?

I hope you choose the latter! Take a minute and relax. Enjoy each other. Give with passion. Receive with a child's excitement. Get some rest. Eat too much. Catch up on movies and football. Play a game with family. Laugh. Help those in need. Read the Christmas Story to your family.

Since my organization is spread over four states and with project offices distributed throughout, I spent last week making the rounds of as many parties as I could. We hosted two parties here at my house. Lots of egg nogg, tons of great food, and so much holiday cheer. But I think my teammates affirmed the fact that I do party (within reason!), I do like to have fun, I love to give and receive gifts (I love the White Elephant gift exchanges!), and I care for each of them and their families. Even in a billion dollar public company, I think these little things help improve teamwork and morale...and who knows what they mean for creating the sort of environment that helps people work as hard as they do the rest of the year. Great stuff.

I hope this post finds you of good cheer. Thanks for what each of you contributes to the business of leaders. More importantly, thank you for your friendship - either in reality or even just virtually. Enjoy this holiday season. Pray for our troops and their families. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to each of you. Hooah!