How Does Santa Do It?

When we think about how Santa accomplishes all that he needs to, there is only one true answer: it’s his wife. Somebody has to run the place while he’s gallivanting around the world. Therefore, we decided to have some fun and create a parable in the form of a poem about how Santa – the CEO of the North Pole – is like today’s CEO in business. Enjoy as this takes the rhythm of “T’was the Night Before Christmas.”

T’was the Night Before Christmas and the CEO said,
“I can’t get these bright shiny objects out of my head.”
“I know my task for tonight is terribly clear,”
“But I’ve jumped ahead visioning about next year!”

 Mrs. Claus jumped right in and said, “Now focus Santa.”
“You’ve presents to deliver from Shanghai to Atlanta.”
“Work on those new initiatives when you return,”
“Because we’ve got your back here and we’re willing to learn.”

“Remember,” she said, “our roles are clearly defined.”
“You’re not pulling that sleigh by yourself, I’ll remind.”
“If you’re going to get off the ground and fly so high,”
“The team should work together, equal in the sky.”

 “It’s true,” said Santa. “We’ve all done very good work.”
“From the elves to the reindeer, no one is a shirk.”
“Let’s reward everyone with a great bonus plan,”
“And recognize success all year ‘cuz we can.”

“I know we finally have the right people in place,”
“Last year’s productivity was down. Failure we faced.”
“It took us a while to resolve all the mis-fits,”
“But now I would not change it, not one little bit,”

 “Santa,” she said, “you’re the networker of all time,”
“No one’s list rivals yours, and your CRM divine,”
“Who else would know everyone’s true greatest wishes?”
“From soft teddy bears to ornate Christmas dishes.”

 “I’m optimistic about our operation.”
“I’m thinking about an extended vacation!”
“New technology helps us to hit the mark,”
“This spiffy GPS is a cinch in the dark.”

“All should sleep well with our crisis action plan.”
“It will save us confusion just like Rudolph can.”
“Our clients and staff will be even safer.”
“No matter what type of fog we may face later.”

 “Dear wife,” said Santa, “those sweet sleigh bells are ringing.”
“Like the Polar Express book when I hear them dinging.”
“Saddens me kids grow up, can’t hear, stop believing,”
“I lead by example, giving not receiving.”

“Beliefs drive behaviors, my inner strategist screams.”
“To do the right thing daily and not just in dreams.”
“So I’ll shout from the rooftop, each house I alight,”
“Believe, hear the bells, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!

Written by Jim Annis President/CEO of The Applied Companies, which provide HR solutions for today’s workplace. Celeste Johnson, Tom Miller, and Suzanne Chennault, Applied’s division directors, contributed to this article.