Building Bridges through Christmas

When the time came to plan the Interstate Batteries Information Technology Christmas party this year, I decided to take the lead.

Oftentimes when people are tasked to plan a party, it is in a setting where team members feel compelled to continue working during the event. They can’t truly enjoy themselves. I didn’t want my team members to reward a successful year of innovation, dogged problem-solving and pure hard work with a party they were unable to enjoy.

With that in mind, I went about the business of planning – I secured a venue, a caterer and a deejay, so the larger tasks were done. As I considered our IT@IB team members, it was clear – we are a team of women and men with differing personalities, skills, languages, talents and nationalities. With this in mind, I believed we had the potential to make our Christmas party a celebration of our cultures.

I was reminded of a Maya Angelou quote:

“ Love is that condition in the human spirit so profound that it empowers us to develop courage ; to trust that courage and build bridges with it; to trust those bridges and cross over them so we can attempt to reach each other. ” That was our concept – building bridges through Christmas.

I needed the team’s buy-in to bless the concept for an International Cultural Heritage Affair that highlighted our diversity and cultural authenticity.

I chose two people from each continent, specifically individuals who had never taken the lead in department activities, and asked personally if they would join me in this project, on our committee. My hope was to bring in some less-often heard voices for this new concept and create the opportunity for a brave step out of their comfort zones. 

Several were surprised by my request, but each of them said ‘yes’.

The rookie committee set to work and conceived something far richer than what we started with. Originally planned as a tuxedos and formalwear event, once they met and deliberated, their idea grew from celebrating our cultures to wearing them.

The rookies took it a step bolder still, and planned a proper fashion show of traditional clothing with a runway, music and announcer. We would show off our garments, what they were made of, how they moved, what the pieces were called and what it meant to us. We unveiled the Christmas party plan to the full department and the wear-your-culture theme was a hit – but few signed up for the runway experience.

The night of the party was transformative. Seeing colleagues attired proudly, colorfully, to represent their home and traditions empowered us all, and the runway was graced with clothing from India, New Orleans, South Asia, Nigeria, Russia, Mexico, Scotland and more. My wife and I walked (and danced) together when our turn came. Guests sampled foods from India, Africa, Asia, Jamaica and America and musically gifted team members sang and played. We didn’t compromise on the ‘Christmas’ in our Christmas party – it was every bit a celebration of Jesus as it was the food and finery of the world.

“I feel like I know you better, just from the runway tonight,” several people told me, and I felt the same.

The party accomplished everything I hoped for: it started at 6:00 p.m. and people didn’t begin leaving until after 10, and that to me is a success. I think we did a fantastic job – the rookies, now with a smash-hit under their belts, and the entire team.

Back in the office, the difference is remarkable. The conversations I see people having around the office now, the pockets of people whom you’d never see talking before, are warmer. We see each other with a new depth and awareness.

Take Action: How well do you know your team members? I encourage you to share your experience and look for it in others. It’s the depth that allows us to understand each other more fully, to become truly a team. In the spirit of the season, I challenge each of you to step out in love, courage and trust – build some bridges and honor the differences in order to touch those around you.

Leadership on the GO.....It's O.N.