Don’t Mention the “C” Words
Sometimes it’s challenging to write a newsletter that is seasonally appropriate, politically correct and pertinent to the message of values-based leadership. During this season we like taking time off from work, we enjoy seasonal parties, folks don’t seem particularly unsettled if we bring them gifts and the mention of “holiday” is appropriate.
Holidays, parties and gifts are all fine, so long as we don’t mention the “C” words, because the “C” words apparently are offensive to some. Some people in the workplace even corrected me when I wished them a happy “C” or a merry “C.”
Look… clearly I want to respect the sensitivities of others, but at the same time, where’s the respect for me and my values?
Rather than judge from our own lens, it seems to me we should celebrate each person’s values, encouraging peaceful and productive expression of those values. We should respect individual belief systems because our acceptance would demonstrate connectedness among us, dependency between us, and humility within us. Humility fosters acceptance; acceptance garners mutual respect; mutual respect fuels hope.
Think about it…most disagreements, arguments and fights come about because we want our own way. Rather than respect the views of others we feel justified shouting them down or locking them out when we don’t agree. We crave and demand our own way, and when we don’t get our way, we manipulate, legislate or demand it.
Such self-focus cheats us and it cheats others – self-focus breeds discontent, disharmony and despair. On the other hand, humility and selflessness are the birthplace of peace, hope and joy.
Whatever holiday season you celebrate this month, I encourage you to explore and celebrate the power of humility – it is a peaceful, joyful transformational force that generates hope.
For me, this season is about hope – hope that we’ll learn to respect and accept others; hope that we’ll consider the wants and needs of others equal to our own; hope that we’ll embrace humility and selflessness to bring joy, peace, hope and healing to a hurting world.
What you have said is key to being successful in the corporate climate. Embracing humility ans selflessness in this culture is not usually done, but if we did it waht a much better workplace we would have. I will try to be an example where i live and work. By the way have a Merry Christmas! Al
I am truly humbled by the significance of this time of year, and what it represents for humankind. It is an occasion to celebrate with family and loved ones, and to joyously acknowledge the birth of a child so long ago. I wish you and your loved ones, as well as your TAI “family,” a very Merry Christmas and a safe and helathy New Year!!
Merry Christmas. Great article.
Congratulations on bringing forward this important message.Here’s hoping it can reach a few more in boxes, change some minds and penetrate a few hearts.
Thanks for your thoughtful words. I was expecting a “Merry Christmas” (or as my Aussie wife says, “Happy Christmas”) at the end of your article. No one was better at finding common ground than Jesus was.
Peace and Joy!
Great reflection, thank you.
This past Sunday our pastor gave an insightful homily on the nuanced difference between style (behaviors or qualities assumed because they are favored by others) and class (inherent behaviors or qualities that are admired by others), particularly as it relates to our seasonal greetings. His basic thesis: we may display style by attempting to be inclusive and unoffensive with greetings like “Happy Holidays” and “Seasons Greetings,” but we miss out on an opportunity to show some class by giving a greeting that shares something deeply personal about ourselves with others.
In sharing something deeply personal we make ourselves vulnerable. Humility is an outgrowth of this vulnerability so it naturally follows that we would accept others’ greetings respectfully, no matter how it might apply to us personally.