7 Gifts to Give Your Team This Christmas

One Christmas, my family’s gift to our neighbors was Pierogi Fest, an open house featuring a variety of pierogies including our own homemade favorite – potato and Longhorn cheese! Dough, cheese and butter, and then throw on some sautéed onions – what is there not to like? Here are 7 gifts your team will actually appreciate this Christmas, besides pierogies!

1. A good mood.

Trust me - a good mood and positive attitude will be far more valued by those you work with than French hens, swans, geese, turtle doves (what’s with all the birds!) or most other gifts for that matter. A moody team member creates anxiety, breeds distrust, and has a negative impact on both the individuals and the team culture. A positive mood results in others wanting to stay.  So this Christmas, and every other day for that matter, give your team a good mood.

2. A positive surprise.

There are good surprises and not so good surprises. Unexpected tax bills and flat tires – these fall in the category of not so good. But positive surprises are amazing because they are not expected, and they are good! They do not need to be grandiose, but they should be memorable. Picking up coffee, treating to lunch, helping on a project, or a simple gift card with a thank you note. These are just a few of the ways you can surprise members of your team.

3. An apology.

I was recently watching a movie about the mob in which an aging hitman, played by Robert De Niro, stumbles over an apology to his adult daughter for how horrible he was as a father and as a person. While this particular apology was a bit too late in coming, apologies matter. They show sincerity and humility. This Christmas, perhaps the best gift you can give someone is a genuine apology for a wrong that was done to them.

4. A genuine compliment.

Meaningful compliments will stick in our memory for a long time. Why? Because we do not receive genuine compliments very often. I recently stumbled upon a file of old cards and letters from a variety of the kids I served as a youth pastor over 30 years ago. I am not much of a collector – my family knows I will throw anything out if it sits around too long – but I had kept this file. I read a few of the notes, and even 30 years later, they were still very meaningful. Who can you compliment this Christmas?

5. A new challenge.

Highly motivated people sometimes need a new challenge. Giving such assignments does two things. First, it lets them know we trust them. Second, it lets them know we are paying attention to them and investing in their development and their future. A new challenge is often as simple as a new project – one that will give them a chance to be stretched, to demonstrate their talents, and for you to see just how good they really are. 

6. Some money.

Money doesn’t solve all problems, but it sure is appreciated by most people. You do not need to be wealthy to be generous. And, if you have both the resources and authority, a monetary gift, even a modest one, sends the powerful message, “I appreciate you.” After having a particularly profitable year, I once watched business owners decide to give extremely generous gifts to those who made the greatest contribution to the company’s success. Rather than hoard it or spend it on themselves, they blessed others.

7. Less complaining.

Complaining can be toxic. Research has shown it damages the part of your brain that is vital for problem solving, it contributes to stress and high blood pressure, and it can damage relationships. And, perhaps even worse, it has been found to be contagious! Yes, our negativity is like a virus, it spreads on contact. So if you are a chronic complainer, fess up and consider giving the gift of less complaining – a lot less.

It is worth remembering that although we are imperfect leaders giving imperfect people imperfect gifts, we still have reason to celebrate. Jesus came into this world over 2,000 years ago to give perfect gifts to imperfect people – gifts that are too far out of our own reach to give. The gifts of forgiveness, hope, and life. These do not eliminate the importance of the 7 gifts noted above, but they keep them in perspective. This Christmas, as we bless others with gifts, remember that even greater gifts are available to each of us from the ultimate gift giver.

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Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.