Fierce Tip of the Week: Give the Gift of Conversation

Every year my family has a tradition of watching the original Charlie Brown Christmas Special, and every year I’m in awe of the profoundness found in those 22 minutes.

What makes this time of year so special is that we openly embrace, as a culture, the need to connect in a very authentic and real way. That above all else, our relationship to one another is most important. Charles Shulz’s 1965 holiday cartoon commented on the continuing commercialization of this time of year, and while I can’t say that I don’t partake in the giving of gifts and eating of delicious dinners, the message to stay true to the spirit of the holidays always resonates with me.

If you’re a leader, you may be thinking about what you can get your team. While gift baskets, spirits, and gift cards will be happily received, think about rounding the gift out by giving the gift of your time and having conversations.

Make sure you connect on a deep level with those you lead. Depending on the current state of your relationship, they might not be all joyful conversations, and yet, the essence of this time of year encourages us to lean in and embrace the season by speaking to the heart of what matters.