How to L.E.A.D. with Inclusivity and Integrity
Leading as a Christian in a non-Christian organization can present unique challenges during the holidays, such as navigating differing beliefs, values, and practices while staying true to one's faith. It requires a delicate balance of upholding personal convictions while respecting the diversity of the workplace.
The holiday season is a time rich with cultural and spiritual meaning, presenting the opportunity to bring people from diverse beliefs together in shared joy and gratitude. For Christian leaders, it is an opportunity to embody Christ with love, respect, and a spirit of unity. This guide explores how to L.E.A.D.—Love, Educate, Affirm, and Deliver—during the holidays, while being inclusive and upholding Christian principles.
Love: Demonstrating God’s Love in Action
The foundation of the holiday season, especially within the Christian faith, is love. As Christian leaders in non-Christian organizations, showing love and compassion allows others to experience Christ’s warmth without necessarily involving overt expressions of faith. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Show Empathy and Understanding: Remember, the holidays are not joyous for everyone. Some team members may feel lonely, stressed, or disconnected. Offer them encouragement and support, and let them know you’re available to listen if they need it.
Encourage Acts of Kindness: Organize initiatives such as volunteer days, charity drives, or gift exchanges. Frame these activities as opportunities to uplift others, whether or not they celebrate the holidays in a traditional sense. This spirit of generosity honors the Christmas season's message while embracing inclusivity.
Respect Cultural Differences: Show care by learning about the different traditions that team members observe. For those celebrating differently, ask if there are ways to acknowledge or support their customs, allowing everyone to feel valued and included.
Here's an idea for an inclusive holiday party: Consider a party where team members have the opportunity to share how they celebrate the holidays, such as special traditions, foods, or activities, giving everyone a chance to try them.
Educate: Foster Understanding and Awareness
The holidays are an ideal time for leaders to educate both themselves and their teams about faith, diversity, and shared values. An inclusive approach fosters understanding, which in turn builds a stronger, more united team.
Share Stories of Meaning: Take time to share brief stories or messages in the workplace that reflect the values of the holiday season—hope, gratitude, peace, and compassion. This can include a short story in a team newsletter or a personal reflection in a meeting. By focusing on universal themes, you make it accessible to everyone while conveying the depth of your own faith.
Create a Space for Dialogue: Organize a casual gathering where team members can share their holiday traditions or experiences. This space not only educates others about different beliefs but also creates empathy and mutual respect.
Acknowledge the Roots of Christian Holidays: Don’t shy away from the Christian roots of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. However, communicate the core values of these holidays—gratitude, joy, and renewal—rather than focusing solely on the religious aspects. This makes the message welcoming to everyone while remaining authentic to Christian principles.
Affirm: Encourage and Support Team Members
During the holidays, leaders have the opportunity to affirm the strengths, contributions, and unique qualities of each team member. This helps individuals feel seen and appreciated, fostering a strong sense of community.
Celebrate Contributions: Host a Thanksgiving or year-end gathering to recognize the hard work, growth, and dedication of each team member. Share specific achievements and words of gratitude to uplift and inspire. Acknowledging contributions lets team members know they are valued, both professionally and personally.
Create Moments of Encouragement: The end of the year is an ideal time to offer personalized encouragement. Write thank-you notes, give small tokens of appreciation, or speak one-on-one with team members to affirm their strengths. Letting people know you see their efforts and believe in their potential aligns with the Christian calling to lift others up.
Support Well-being and Balance: Encourage time for rest and reflection. Holidays can bring added stress and expectations; as a Christian leader, affirm that rest is a form of renewal and that taking time to recharge is a valuable part of one’s work life and spiritual health.
Holiday Schedule Flexibility: Some team members may observe different holidays or need time to celebrate with family. Show respect by accommodating time-off requests where possible or creating a rotating holiday schedule to allow everyone a chance to celebrate.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Deliver: Fulfill Your Commitments with Integrity
Leaders who embody the spirit of the holiday season do so by fulfilling their promises and acting with integrity. This commitment inspires trust and encourages team members to carry forward the season's values.
Lead with Excellence and Generosity: Make a commitment to finish the year strong, leading by example. Show that high-quality work done with joy and integrity is a gift to others. Set achievable goals for the team that also allow time to enjoy the season without overwhelming demands.
Provide Clear Guidance for the New Year: The New Year is a natural time for reflection and vision casting. Use this time to outline expectations, provide clarity on upcoming projects, and share your vision for the team’s growth. Ensure these plans align with both the team’s goals and the values of purpose, passion, and impact that you as a Christian leader strive to uphold.
Reflect on the Season’s Lessons: After the holidays, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved for the future. Share your reflections with the team, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth. Let them know that each season brings new insights, and every year offers an opportunity to learn and lead better.
Closing Thoughts
This holiday season, as you lead, let love, respect, and integrity be at the forefront. By embracing inclusivity and staying true to your Christian values, you have the opportunity to create an environment where everyone feels appreciated, valued, and united. In doing so, you reflect the heart of Christ, who came to bring peace, joy, and love to all.
Let’s close with a prayer:
Lord, guide us as we lead during this season of gratitude, celebration, and renewal. May our actions reflect Your love, and may we create spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Grant us wisdom, patience, and joy as we carry Your light in the workplace, honoring both You and those You’ve called us to serve. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Dr. Wanita Mercer, Ph.D. is the founder and CEO of Lead My Heart, an executive coaching and consulting company specializing in equipping executives and executive teams to live and lead with purpose, passion, and power. She has a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in organizational leadership, and she is certified in life coaching, executive coaching, change management, project management, executive management, corporate crisis management, and mental health ministry. She has over 15 years of experience as an international educator in the USA and China, motivational speaker, author, and civic leader. She lives in San Antonio, Texas.
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