Manager's Christmas gift wishes for Santa Claus

Dear Santa Claus,

This year, I'm not hoping for new golf clubs, a handmade leather briefcase, amarone given by customers, or even a luxury ballpoint pen with the company logo.

I hope for something bigger. – not just for myself, but for my entire company. As I sit in the corner of my office, by the glittering Christmas tree, contemplating the year ahead, I can’t help but wonder what it really takes for our company – and our entire leadership team – to thrive in a changing world.

So here's my list, Santa. These aren't gifts that fit in a package, but they're worth more than gold:

Wish 1:
Resistant strategy, which can withstand storms and calms

A good strategy is not just a collection of wishes written around a vision, flourishing on PowerPoint slides. It is flexible, concrete and realistic.I hope that as a management team we can make decisions that don't just look good in Q1 reports, but will carry over into five, even ten years.

In this world where geopolitical upheavals and technological leaps can change the rules of the game overnight, we need a strategy that adapts but doesn't lose direction, because an inspiring vision and a concrete roadmap illuminate even the darkest path, like the nose of your trusted operations manager Petteri.

Wish 2:
Teamwhere trust shines brighter than the stars

A good team isn't perfect – but it is a cradle of trust, openness and psychological safety. I know that every now and then a little competition creeps into the leadership team, maybe even pushing our own agendas. I hope for the gift of opportunities where we can stop and look each other in the eye and say: “We are in this together..”

Perhaps a longer retreat in the silence of Lapland could help? Is there room in Korvatunturi, say around Easter, and would it still fit into the MTTC coaches' calendar - they are said to be wizards at bringing leadership teams to a new level?

Wish 3:
Data that enlightens, not confuses

Santa Claus, I'm sure you keep a careful record of children's wishes too. In our company, data is like a modern-day elves' army – always busy, but sometimes a little vague.

I would like data tools and analytics that not only tell the stories of the past, but also help us see the possibilities of the future. Artificial intelligence? Yes, thank you, but not just as a trendy buzzword, but as a real assistant that supports strategy.

Wish 4:
Courage to fail and learn from it

Santa Claus, I would like a reminder that sometimes failure is the best thing that can happen. Maybe you could bring us a sign in all our meeting rooms that says: “Fail Fast, Learn Faster.”

In the coming year, I want our leadership team to feel that Risks can be taken and mistakes can be learned from – without it threatening anyone's position.

Wish 5:
Responsibility in heart and actions

Then there's responsibility. I know, Santa Claus, that reindeer run ecologically, but we in companies still have a long way to go in terms of sustainability.

I don't just want ESG reports and certificates, but a genuine desire to do good. – both for the environment and for our communities. Perhaps in the coming year we could lead the change by being an example to others?

Wish 6:
Enthusiasm that spreads from the management team to the entire organization

The most important task of a leader is not just to lead, but to ignite a spark. Next year, I would like to see the same enthusiasm in the eyes of the entire staff that I felt when I was given responsibility for the first project.

Maybe the spirit of Christmas could give us a gift more meaningful conversations and fewer busy emails?

Wish 7:
Wisdom and courage to stop

This Christmas I wish for wisdom and courage to stop regularly in the midst of all the hustle and bustleAs a leader, my day is often hectic, but I know that pausing is the key to clearer thinking, better decisions, and sustainable growth – for both myself and my team.

I would like to learn to listen better to both my own and others' voices, find priorities, and make room for creativity. The art of stopping is not weakness, but true wisdom.. Help me remember it.

Finally: Wish leadership in itself

Dear Santa Claus, leadership is rarely a thankless job. Decisions made with care and heart are not always understood. The path of a leader is full of unexpected twists and lonely moments.

Therefore, I ask for one gift above all others: wisdom that doesn't disappear under pressure, and humility that reminds us that no single leader is the most important person in a company – but just one serving piece in a larger whole.

Santa, I know this list is long and maybe a little ambitious. But if even a few of these wishes come true, the coming year will look brighter – both for me and for the company I work for every day.

Thank you, Santa Claus, and Merry Christmas to you too!

Kind regards,
A leader who believes in a better future

P.S. If Posti got lost on the way to Korvatunturi, MTTC's elves will help fulfill the Christmas gift wishes on your list. Contact us!