Joy, Hope, Peace, Love: Reflections at Year-End

Faith has been a profound guiding light in my life. Admittedly, I don’t talk about it much. I go to church almost every week, have a healthy prayer routine, practice tithing and volunteerism, but keep it mainly to myself – mostly out of fear in this forever politically correct environment we live in. However, as the Christmas season is now upon us, I thought … to hell with it. I want to reflect on the four themes of advent and how they can assist leaders in a fruitful close of 2024. I believe these principles are universal and sincerely hope everyone can find solace and sage advice in them.

First is hope. What are leaders without it? We face constant challenges and struggles; it is up to us to hope and plan for better. When I personally think of all the potential economic catastrophes that may happen over the next year or two, it is up to me to stay levelheaded and plan for the worst while hoping for the best. It is with hope that we can remain optimistic and with optimism, build a path for our team to follow us into an uncertain, but hopefully bright future.

The next is peace. I find the end of the year to be full of high expectations. Expectations for me from myself as well as expectations from all those around me – both professional and personal. Expectations of how the company should celebrate the holiday season, expectations on getting the right gift, expectations on rewards or acknowledgments, to name a few. Through all these expectations, I find myself feeling like a failure, even before I get started! I’m afraid of making the wrong choice or decision. Yes, leaders are human, too. We will and do fail. We cannot get it right every time. But it is the trying that brings me peace. It is knowing that my heart is in the right place that anchors me to calmness.

Next up is joy. Many of us are lucky to have friends and family to spend the holidays with. But there are many others who do not, or who do have family and friends. But that does not equal a joyful holiday season. What we can do as leaders is to create as much joy in our own home, and I mean our work home. During the year-end season at caa, we host an award ceremony where we can recognize many team members for a variety of different contributions. We do this not only to celebrate good work and excellence, but to also bring joy to all those around us as we celebrate one another.

And the last is love. How could I ever lead if I don’t love what I do? Or if I didn’t love those around me? Do I love what I do and who I work with all the time? Absolutely not. Some of the biggest challenges I have ever faced in my life have been at work. Some of the biggest upsets, the biggest failures, the biggest defeats have all made me question: What am I doing here? Why am I doing this? But then I am reminded: the best things in life are never free. Love makes you work for it and the workplace is not immune. When the going gets tough, love it anyways. It has certainly helped bring me to a soft landing each and every time.

This holiday season, I wish you all hope, peace, joy and love, and that it lasts well past December 2024.