Leadership Rewards
Are Still In Great Supply

I am simply amazed at how quickly another holiday season has come upon us.

Where did the months go? As I reflect back on 2008, it's easy to see how time got away from me! I moved my family 350 miles away to a new city and a new chapter in our lives. What can I say, when opportunity knocks, you have to answer the door.

While there are numerous reasons I could list for having departed from the regularly monthly newsletter schedule, I’ll share more insights into how I have been spending my “extra” time in future issues of this newsletter.

I am very excited to announce that 2009 is going to be a very exciting year for readers of this newsletter. So hold on for a very informative and productive experience as we work to roll out fresh new leadership tools and resources to our subscribers.

By the way, you may be surprised to learn that our subscriber base has now grown to over 18,000 readers. In response to this achievement, the holidays seem to be the most appropriate time for me to share my gratitude and appreciation for your interest and support of Leadership-Tools.com.

Your testimonials, feedback and words of encouragement continue to drive us to seek out and provide new tools that you can use to increase your results and the results of your team members.

Leadership-Tools.com has been in business for almost 6 years now. Here we are, the end of another calendar year, another holiday season – yet, I continue to feel like we have only scratched the surface of what we can provide to you – our valued reader.

I have never been so energized by the opportunities available to improve the quality and performance of this online resource. These are truly exciting times.

However, I am still highly aware of the fact that for many, times are tough. Many people over the past year have lost their jobs; many have watched helplessly as their 401k balances have been cut in half, and even worse yet, too many around the world find themselves or their loved ones living in areas of extreme political unrest and/or fully engaged in war.

As a result of the many serious issues of the day, somehow a bit of reflection seems highly appropriate this week. While I’m not one to dwell on the negative or invest time in things beyond my control, I do find myself thinking of the simple message of the season: peace on earth and goodwill toward all.

Yes, I fully believe that these concepts still apply to modern day life. Good wishes, along with a healthy dose of self-reliance, seem to remain a great source of fuel for the heart, body and soul.

As leaders of people, it’s essential that we never lose sight of the bigger picture.

While circumstances exist that are far from ideal, it is up to each one of us to remain focused on all that is good. We must remind others who look to us for guidance that all is not bad in the world. Good still exists in unlimited supply. We just have to look for it in the right places.

If you aren’t sure where to look, start from within yourself.

Today, contact each of your direct reports and wish them a Happy Holiday. Take time to communicate how much you appreciate their efforts over the past year and thank them for being a valuable member of your team. Encourage your team members to enjoy time with their families and friends during the holidays.

Do not be concerned that anyone will take your words of kindness and caring as a free pass from meeting their year-end goals. If you’ve done your job, they won’t be easily deceived in this regard. In fact, your words of encouragement may just be what they need in order to push harder than ever before.

Letting them know you care may be just what they need in order to meet or exceed their year-end goals, as well as your high expectations.

Yes, it’s true. Your faithful Editor-In-Chief is an eternal optimist. I’ve learned that one can be realistic, focused on bottom-line results - and an optimist all at the same time.

Sure, times are not perfect, troubles still exist and there will always be downsides to deal with - that is the reality of life. If all remained perfect in the world there would be no need for anyone to LEAD. Consider “tough times”, as “job security”.

Your ability to lead your people through difficult times is strengthened when you take the time to regularly remind each team member about the important part he/she plays in the overall success of the organization.

Encourage each team member to maintain a healthy balance in their life and remain focused on the things that are within their control.

Consider this a friendly reminder for you to do the same. In closing, I wish to thank you very much for your ongoing support of Leaderhip-Tools.com. I am excited about our plans to provide you and all of our loyal readers with some amazing new leadership tools and resources during the coming year.

Until then….. Here’s wishing you the Happiest of Holidays and an Amazing New Year!

In 2009, Leadership-Tools.com intends to leverage our most valuable resource - YOU, and over 18,000 of our other regular subscribers.

So I encourage you to begin thinking now about what types of leadership tools and resources you currently utilize to maximize your results. I'll be asking for your detailed ideas.

As you know, as an ongoing subscriber you have continuous access to countless leadership tools - all at zero cost.

Many times, subscribers have asked why we give so much and ask nothing in return.

In 2009, that all changes.

While we will continue to provide free leadership tools and resources to our subscribers - we will encourage you, our loyal readers, to pay it forward.

In future editions of our newsletter you'll be asked to share what's working for you so that others may learn and benefit from your experience.

Imagine having 24/7 access to all of the best practices of 18,000+ leaders from all around the world?

Now that will be a powerful resource that all of us can gain great value from, don't you think?

I hope you will stay tuned to see the full 'unveiling' of all that we are preparing to offer our readers in 2009.

Thanks again for your time and support. Ring in the New Year with some gusto, okay? :-)

Your comments and feedback have continued to pour in daily. We are grateful for every email of encouragement that we receive. Thank you all!

Here's a few of your most recent comments:

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