#4 - What Mariah Carey Can Teach You About Employee Success
The holiday season is upon us, and with it, Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You makes its triumphant return.??
It’s like clockwork. Every year, the world gathers around the audio equivalent of a warm mug of cocoa, and Mariah reignites the magic.?
What makes this song timeless? Storytelling, preparation, and an ability to hit just the right note year after year. And surprisingly, it holds some valuable lessons for how you invest in your employees.?
?? Hit the high notes with storytelling – pt. 1?
Mariah doesn’t just sing a song; she tells a story. It’s about love, longing, and holiday joy—all wrapped up in a catchy tune. The same applies to your workplace. A great company culture is a shared story that everyone contributes to.?
For your employees, this is critical. Whether it’s through onboarding, training, or personal growth opportunities, the story you create with them determines how engaged and motivated they’ll be.??
Think about it: are you helping your employees find their place in your narrative? Are you giving them a story they’re proud to be a part of??
For example, a retail associate isn’t just stocking shelves—they’re curating a memorable experience for every customer. Help them see that bigger picture.?
?? Hit the high notes with storytelling – pt. 2?
The same is true for the art of external storytelling. Mariah tells a story with her song, but all around the world customer-facing teams are doing the same in stores, hotels, and every corner of the retail and hospitality industry and beyond.??
Many great songs thrive because of their ability to tell recognizable stories that connect with audiences emotionally. Here’s the thing: your employees are the storytellers of your brand, shaping customer perceptions every day.??
A store employee helping a customer find the perfect outfit, or a waiter recommending a dish with genuine enthusiasm—these moments aren’t just transactions. They’re stories unfolding in real time.??
When your employees truly understand and embody your brand values, they create experiences that resonate. Just like Mariah deeply understands the character or role she needs to play, your team needs the tools, training, and confidence to deliver your brand’s story authentically.?
?? Consistency creates magic?
Mariah's annual resurgence isn’t accidental—it’s consistency. Every December, she delivers by showing up with a message people crave.??
Her secret? Mariah stays relevant while leaning on a solid foundation. For your teams, consistent investment in skills and training builds the same kind of reliability, ensuring your employees are always equipped to deliver their best.?
Employees in retail, hospitality and other industries face unique challenges, from navigating demanding customers to adapting to rapidly changing market trends. If they’re educated with knowledge, they can shine in even the busiest holiday rush, no matter the season.?
? Make it memorable?
You don’t forget All I Want for Christmas Is You. Why? Mariah’s song sticks because it’s joyful, familiar, and brings people together. Your approach to employee growth can be similar since training can have the same impact when done right.??
Make learning memorable by combining knowledge with creativity, collaboration, purpose and a personal approach. In that way, you turn “just another module” into a moment employees look forward to.??
Imagine the difference when your team sees learning as an opportunity to grow—not just another checkbox on their list. It’s how you transform a good team into a great one.?
So, this holiday season, channel your inner Mariah. Just like the famous singer, show up consistently for your teams, give them a story they’re excited to be part of, and create lasting magic by making every learning experience unforgettable. ? ?
?? Happy Holidays?
When your employees feel valued and empowered, they’ll sing your praises all year long. Think of empowerment as the ultimate gift for your team. It’s not just a present—it’s your presence in their growth.