Teachable moments…. think about the last time you experienced one. Was it last week? Month? A year ago? I realized over the Christmas break some incredible lessons that I had missed other years for many reasons. I think it is critical to reflect on a few moments as we celebrate the birth of Jesus found in Luke 2. Here are some leadership lessons to think about: Presents, Presence, and Prayer.

Presents

I am going to start with the obvious ones that most kids and adults land on with Christmas…presents. I am sure many of you have heard or experienced the supply change struggles and firmly believe many of your items are sitting on a cargo ship in Long Beach (that might be a country song soon). The Fugitt family was concerned so we bought everything early this year, really early, in fact we bought gifts and wrapped them and then didn’t have any idea what we had. What I realized was that the children enjoyed the gifts for a while, and not the ones I thought they would, also my 5 year old was just as entertained with a box fort from it all.

How often do we overlook what type of gifts or recognition our team needs to be effective or appreciated? In our own family as with our work, we get caught up in bigger and may not realize that thoughtful wins the day. Quantum workplace research found that “ 53% of employees want more recognition from their managers” . How do you recognize and reward hard work through specific feedback and a thoughtful gift?

The gift of Jesus birth, life, and resurrection is one that has changed the world and we are all still celebrating over 2,000 years later. Like the people who lived during Jesus time, we often miss or forget how this gift changed the world. What a privilege that we can share the gift of salvation with others.

Presence

When I have talked to college students about the use of media in their own lives, they have often said an interesting statement “tell my parents to get off their phone first.” The social media aps are good at what they do, they know how to suck you into their world and miss the moments that are part of life. The relational nutrients from Dr. John Townsend in Quadrant 1 are “Be Present”. As my kids get older, I have learned the value of containment…often they just need to let me know what is happening in their life. I don’t need to fix the situation that happened on the playground at recess but I should know that Johnny (not his real name) is always taking the only basketball.

How can we be present with our family and team? Many of us are struggling with being present in a way that is meaningful to your team or with your supervisor. I encourage you to be honest and reach out with your relational nutrient needs so that you can function at the highest level. As the leader, don’t underestimate the power of presence you have in people’s lives. Think about the last time you had a mentor invest time in you, what was that like?

Prayer

When it is mealtime at the Fugitt house, prayer has almost become a contact sport. There are many volunteers and speed is often thought to be the best way to pray. Do we rush our own prayers, if we do them at all? I know in my own life, I have found that as I teach the value of prayer, I need to create more space for that with my family and team.

The power of prayer can help you enter a situation with clarity and peace instead of seeking out victory at any cost. There will be people at work or in our family who just rub us the wrong way, we might understand what triggers you about Aunt Julie or Direct Report Jose. The article by Rebecca Knight on “How to Develop Empathy for Someone Who Annoys You” gives valuable tactics but she doesn’t talk about the power of prayer.

We aren’t equipped to handle the stressors of life on our own, we need the community that God has given us and will strengthen us with prayer:

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 6-7 ESV)

Finally…

Life isn’t predictable and as I think about the new year and lessons learned from Christmas with my kids, I ultimately get to rest in the fact that Jesus has given me victory over sin, death, and the devil through his birth and resurrection. This allows me to celebrate the greatest present of all in salvation, have a presence as I serve my family and team, and focus on praying for peace that only God can give. I’m not sure what 2022 will bring but I know that God is with me on the journey.