My 12 Christmas Wishes for Managers

Well. 2020 certainly has been a year, and it’s has changed our industry in many ways – much of which will stay with us long after we have spent our sad and virtual holiday parties alone. But there are some things that don’t – and won’t change. I’ve updated my annual Christmas message to reflect these bizarre times we are living in.

1st Wish: Patience"Maxima enim est hominum semper patientia virtus" (Patience is the greatest virtue of human kind). From “two weeks to flatten the curve” to “9 months to flatten the spirit.” To absorb that reality (at least for those still in some form of lockdown), we have no choice but to be patient – with ourselves, with our clients, and with the process. If I could wrap it up in a bow and hand it to you, it would be the gift of patience. A deep breath, close the eyes, count to 5, ever so slowly.Think patience. The First Noel by Pentatonix.

2nd Wish: Gratitude "Post tenebras spero lucem" (After darkness, I hope for light). I wish you gratitude because there is no positive purpose in railing against a bad situation. Be grateful, through gritted teeth if you must, for what you have. Gratitude will make for good in your life. Silent Night by Pentatonix.

3rd Wish: Less urgency and more importance "A posse ad esse" (From being able to being) The bombardment of continual communication creates a sense of urgency, thus giving all incoming communication a false sense of importance. Everything is urgent, yet not everything is important. I wish to you the small luxury of not responding instantaneously to the 'urgent' when it takes us away from the truly 'important.' Carol of the Bells by The Piano Guys.

4th Wish: Great Boards "Veritas vos liberabit" (The truth will set you free). I wish for you Boards that recognize your competence and understand your job and your role. I wish you Boards that release personal agendas, have a sense of humor and never, ever, micromanage. I wish you Boards that learn yes, Santa, ZOOM meetings are pretty great! (Now, where’s the un-mute button?!). Little Drummer Boy by Alex Boye' and Genesis Choir

5th Wish: Great vendors "Semper fidelis" (Always faithful also the motto of the US Marines). I wish you great vendors to make life easier. Over the years, the relationships you develop with vendors will produce dividends of which the communities will never know. I also wish you to remember they make your education more affordable and keep our professional organizations viable. Linsey Stirling with What Child is This

6th Wish: Seeing your true effect "Fluctuat nec mergitur" (Tossed but not sunk also Paris' coat of arms).  I wish for community managers to realize they touch dozens,hundreds or even thousands of people in a single day, affecting each of those persons, sometimes quite profoundly. What you do matters greatly. (Veni, Veni, Emmanuel) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The Piano Guys

7th Wish: Integrity "Spectemur agendo" (Let us be judged by our acts). Our industry is a small one: Each of us is separated by only 2 or 3 degrees i.e., if I don't know you, I know someone who does. The only thing you really have is your integrity. Thus, I wish you integrity in all that you say and do, and wish that those with whom you interact all have that same integrity. How much easier your life would be! Susan Boyle with Libera In the Bleak Midwinter

8th Wish: Laughter "Castigat ridendo mores" (One corrects customs by laughing at them). Our business is ripe with ridiculous and absurd situations. It may take you a few days, weeks or months to see the humor in some situations, but if you let it, it will come. Seriously, folks, you can't make this stuff up! So, laugh at those absurd situations, and laugh at yourself. Penny's Christmas gift to Sheldon The Big Bang Theory

9th Wish: Less Stress "Memento mori" (Remember you must die). So rejoice in life. I wish you the ability to deal with things as they come, to be able to do your best and then let go of the result. This wish is for you and about your good: Your mental and physical health well-being, because I want you to be in this business for the long run. Royal Ballet in the Nutcracker Waltz of the Flowers.

10th Wish: Macro-management "Sine ira et studio" (Without anger and passion). I wish you big-thinking Boards who are confident and don't feel the need to mentor you, tell you how to think, write, organize or manage people. Until that time, managers, look to developing and improving your professional detachment skills. They will go a long in assisting you to cope. Mary, Did You Know? By Pentatonix

11th Wish: Indomitable Spirit "Viriliter age" (Act courageously). Strong of character, unable to be subdued or overcome, the will to keep plowing forward, to go to work with an air of confidence and a glint in your eye. The fun in our work is in the challenge, and the real fun is meeting that challenge with our Indomitable Spirit. Beethoven's Ode to Joy by Flashmob Flash Mob

12th Wish: A Wonderful Life "Esto perpetua" (Let it be perpetual). Lastly I wish you all a wonderful life: Peace, joy, love. A better work life. Good coffee. Pets that love you. Family and friends. Most of all I wish you clarity: Clarity to see life as it is, to see others as they are, and to see yourself as you are, and to be okay with all of it. But also I wish you the clarity to see what you what you can be in the coming years. It's truly a Wonderful Life. I leave you with Charles M. Schulz's A Charlie Brown Christmas The Meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas all! Here's to a better and brighter 2021!

c. Julie Adamen, Adamen Inc.

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