[ELM#948] Extending Holiday Kindness Throughout the Year

Yes, it's Christmas time. Schools are preparing to close, people are scheduling their vacations, and the malls are bustling with shoppers searching for the perfect gift. There's a tangible energy in the air - anticipation, joy, and celebration that seems to transform even the most ordinary moments into something special.

As we embrace this holiday season, I challenge you to consider: What specific action will you take today to show someone your gratitude? How can you carry this spirit of appreciation and belief in others throughout the coming year?

EducationalLeader,
Kim

“When students are led well, they learn well.”

Website: http://kimdmoore.com
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The views shared in the Educational Leadership Moment are solely mine and do not reflect the positions of my employer or any entity within the local, state, or federal government sectors.

Transcript

Yes, it's Christmas time. Schools are preparing to close, people are scheduling their vacations, and the malls are bustling with shoppers searching for the perfect gift. There's a tangible energy in the air - anticipation, joy, and celebration that seems to transform even the most ordinary moments into something special.

When I was a Principal, at our school the halls were alive with the gentle hum of Christmas carols and spontaneous bursts of laughter. Students and staff counted the days until winter break, their excitement palpable in every interaction. As we prepared for our annual holiday party, beautifully wrapped presents began appearing, each a testament to the spirit of giving that defines this season.

I witnessed a powerful example of this giving spirit that touched my heart deeply. A student came to my office with a simple yet crucial request. She had secured her first job at a local restaurant, a significant achievement, but lacked the means to purchase the required uniform. Without hesitation, I reached out to our community liaison for assistance. What happened next exemplified the true meaning of generosity. Instead of directing the student to our usual thrift shop resources, our liaison purchased new clothes for the student and included a $50 gift card. When I asked about this extra gesture of kindness, she responded beautifully: "I just wanted to do something nice to help her out."

This incident made me reflect on how people embrace a kinder, more gracious version of themselves during the holiday season. We become more willing to go the extra mile, to put aside our differences, and to see the best in others. But as leaders, we must ask ourselves: How can we maintain this spirit of generosity and graciousness throughout the year?

In his insightful book "Winning with People," John Maxwell provides valuable guidance through what he calls The Number 10 Principle: "Believing the best in people usually brings the best out of people." This principle becomes particularly powerful when combined with gratitude and appreciation.

Maxwell outlines five crucial insights about understanding people that can help us maintain this positive approach:

Everybody wants to be somebody - Everyone desires to feel significant and valued.

People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care - Genuine concern must precede education.

Everybody needs somebody - The question isn't whether we need others but how much we need them.

Anybody who helps somebody influences many bodies - Our acts of kindness create ripple effects throughout communities.

Somebody today will rise and become somebody - When we see everyone's potential, we create daily opportunities for transformation.

"Treat a man as he appears to be and you make him worse. But treat a man as if he already were what he potentially could be, and you make him what he should be." 
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

This powerful truth reminds us that our belief in others' potential can catalyze their growth and development.

While people may occasionally disappoint us, we mustn't let these moments deter us from believing in the inherent potential within each person. When we consistently demonstrate faith in people's capabilities, we create an environment where growth and achievement are possible and probable.

As we embrace this holiday season, I challenge you to consider: What specific action will you take today to show someone your gratitude? How can you carry this spirit of appreciation and belief in others throughout the coming year?

Happy Holidays!

EducationalLeader,
Kim