Oh Boy...Here We Go Again...

Here we go again…Halloween is just around the corner with all the ghosts, axe murderers, and goblins preying on innocent neighbors to give them treats or be punished with a “trick” which simply takes the form of vandalism. Do I sound cynical? I suppose I do as I really have a difficult time seeing the “good” in this particular “holiday.”

When you think about it, holidays typically bring out the GOOD in people…in families. It’s a time to draw together to count blessings and be of good cheer. I know I’m in the minority on this one as EVERYONE LOVES Halloween…I’m just the poster boy of the Halloween Scrooge.

That being said, I searched the web to see if there were any positive correlates between leadership and the celebrated holiday.  Here are 6 lessons to be learned as presented by West Chester University in Philadelphia.

1. Hand Out Treats - Although people aren’t going to go door to door asking for handouts as kids do on Halloween, leaders should look for opportunities to give out “treats” on a daily basis. This doesn’t have to mean candy or financial rewards. People thrive off of positive feedback and recognition, and will put in extra effort knowing that their contributions are not only noticed, but acknowledged and celebrated.
2. Inspire creativity - Every Halloween, we see people come up with the most creative costumes. People are more willing to participate and bring new ideas to the table when creativity is accepted and encouraged. As a leader, it’s important to be confident in your own creative capabilities and give others the opportunity to bring out their creative side as well.
3. Stay Determined - Just because you don’t get the candy you want, doesn’t mean you give up on trick-or-treating. It may take two, three, sometimes more tries until you get what you desired. Leaders set their eye on the end result, without losing focus or hope when things don’t turn out as expected.
4. Don’t Fear the Unknown - Halloween is full of spooky scare tactics. Although leaders are often faced with “scares,” they do not let these fears define or limit them. They do not dwell on the unknown, the “what-ifs.” Instead, they focus on overcoming their fears.
5. Never Walk Alone - When you walk alone, you tend to stride down the “safe streets.” Having others there can encourage you to branch out to new roads, opportunities, and concepts. Leaders walk in sync with their people, and listen and entrust them along the way.
6. Don’t Forget to Take Off Your Mask - While it’s fun to take on a different identity for a day, it’s important not to lose sight of your authentic self. Leaders must be consistent and transparent in their identity in order to gain the trust of others.

Hmmmm…maybe there ARE “treats” that even I’m able to take away, without tricking anyone…

Ahhhh BOO-HUMBUG!

Be good to yourself…