The Gift of Leadership
Serving Others with Purpose
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” — Mahatma Gandhi.
During my leadership days, I remember that December was always a hectic time. We were busy wrapping up the year, which put a lot of pressure on us as we closed the fourth quarter and finalized year-end reports. I had to write performance reviews and consider promotions and bonuses, all while juggling personal responsibilities like Christmas gifts, holiday parties, and decorating the house. Did I leave anything out?
Back at work, I often questioned whether I was truly present for my employees. They were going through similar challenges and possibly facing even greater hardships than I was. I realized that Christmas was a time when I needed to shine as a leader, not just in productivity and results, but in compassion and awareness. It was the perfect opportunity to lead differently, to lift others up instead of simply pushing through tasks.
I began to see that leadership during the holidays wasn’t about efficiency; it was about empathy, generosity, and connection. If I could go back, I’d focus less on closing loops and more on opening hearts. I wish I had known then what I know now, that the most meaningful way to lead in December is to serve.
That realization brings us to four powerful ways to bring service and purpose into your leadership this holiday season: leading with empathy, practicing generosity beyond gifts, replacing pressure with presence, and strengthening emotional intelligence. Each one offers a path to lead not just with your head, but with your heart.
Lead with Empathy
Empathy is the foundation of servant leadership. It’s the ability to pause, listen, and truly see the people you lead. During the holidays, empathy might mean giving someone grace when they’re overwhelmed, checking in on a teammate who’s unusually quiet, or recognizing that not everyone feels joy this time of year.
A simple place to start is by asking, “What support do you need right now?” You may be surprised by what you learn. Sometimes, what your team needs most isn’t another resource, it’s your understanding. When people feel heard and valued, their motivation grows naturally.
Practice Generosity Beyond Gifts
Generosity in leadership isn’t about lavish bonuses or expensive presents. It’s about giving your time, your attention, and your belief in others. It’s about showing appreciation, celebrating small wins, and offering help without expecting anything in return.
This holiday season, find one meaningful way to serve your community as a team. Volunteer together, donate to a local charity, or write holiday cards for those in need of encouragement. These shared acts of service strengthen bonds, build trust, and remind everyone that success isn’t measured only by numbers but by the difference we make in people’s lives.
Replace Pressure with Presence
If we’re honest, many leaders struggle with the weight of the holidays, year-end deadlines, personal obligations, and the constant buzz of busyness. But the most impactful leaders know how to replace pressure with presence.
Being fully present doesn’t mean you have everything figured out. It means you choose to show up authentically, attentively, and with heart. When you silence distractions, listen without multitasking, or pause to connect with someone face-to-face, you send a message far louder than words: you matter.
Presence creates psychological safety, which in turn builds stronger teams and deeper trust. The truth is, people may not remember every goal or meeting from December, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.
Strengthen Your Emotional Intelligence
Service-based leadership thrives on emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage both your own emotions and those of others. As a leader, your tone sets the temperature. When you lead with calm and kindness, your team reflects that energy. When you lead with stress or frustration, that spreads too.
This season, take a moment each morning to center yourself before the day begins. A few deep breaths, a gratitude reflection, or even a short walk can shift your mindset from reactive to intentional. The more grounded you are, the more your leadership becomes a steadying force for others.
A Season of Unity and Purpose
Christmas reminds us of something timeless: generosity and unity are not seasonal; they’re essential. When you lead with purpose and serve others, you don’t just make their lives better; you elevate your own. Leadership becomes less about authority and more about aligning your values, actions, and heart.
As this year comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on how you’ve led and how you’d like to lead in the year ahead. Ask your team what support they need, find one meaningful way to serve your community, and replace holiday pressure with genuine presence.
Because the true gift of leadership isn’t in results; it’s in relationships.
Your Next Step
Start small this week. Ask your team that simple but powerful question: “What support do you need right now?” Listen fully. Then take one action, whether in your workplace or your community, that reflects service and purpose. Leadership doesn’t need to be grand to be great; it simply needs to be genuine.
If this message inspired you, subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter, where I share practical insights, tools, and stories to help you grow as a leader, one purposeful step at a time. Let’s lead with empathy, generosity, and presence and make every season one of service and impact.
I’ve reviewed Dare to Lead by Brené Brown several times in the past, but it deserves another mention—especially in light of The Gift of Leadership: Serving Others with Purpose. Few books capture the heart of authentic leadership the way Brown does. Her message is simple yet profound: courage and vulnerability are not opposites of leadership—they’re the very foundation of it.
Brown invites us to trade perfectionism and control for empathy, honesty, and trust. She reminds us that true leaders don’t hide behind authority; they lean into connection. The stories and research she shares help us understand that brave leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and showing up with compassion, even when it’s uncomfortable.
That’s why this book connects so deeply with our discussion on leading with empathy, generosity, and presence. It reinforces that leadership is an act of service—one that begins with emotional courage and a willingness to be real.
If you haven’t read Dare to Lead, make it your next read—or revisit it with fresh eyes this season. You can purchase your copy wherever books are sold, and don’t forget to subscribe to the EXCEL2WIN Leadership Newsletter for more insights on purposeful, heart-centered leadership.
