Director's Christmas wishes for Santa Claus

Good Santa Claus,

This year, I'm not hoping for new golf clubs, a handmade leather briefcase, amarone from customers, or even a luxury ballpoint pen with the company logo.

I hope for something bigger - not just for myself, but for my whole business. As I sit in the corner of my office with a shiny Christmas tree and reflect on the year ahead, I can't help but think about what it really takes for our business - and our entire management team - to thrive in a changing world.

So here's my list, Santa. These are not gifts that will fit in a box, but they are worth their weight in gold:

Toive 1:
Sustainable Strategy, which can withstand storms and storms

A good strategy is not just a collection of wishes written around a vision on PowerPoint slides. It is flexible, concrete and realistic. I hope that as a management team we can make decisions that not only look good in Q1 reports, but carry over five, even ten years from now.

In a world where geopolitical turbulence and technological leaps can change the rules of the game overnight, we need a strategy that adapts but does not lose direction, because an inspiring vision and a concrete roadmap will light the darkest path, like the nose of your trusted operational manager Petter.

Toive 2:
The team, where confidence shines brighter than the stars

A good team is not perfect - but it is a cradle of trust, openness and psychological safety. I know that every now and then there is a little competitive spirit in the management team, maybe even a push for their own agendas. I wish for the gift of occasions when we could stop and look each other in the eye and say: ”We are in this together.”

Perhaps a longer retreat in the silence of Lapland could help? I wonder if Korvatunturi is available around Easter, for example, and whether it would still fit into the MTTC coaches' calendars - they are reportedly wizards at tuning up management teams to a new level?

Toive 3:
Data that enlightens, not confuses

Santa Claus, I'm sure you also keep careful track of your children's wishes. In our company, data is like a modern bunch of elves - always busy, but sometimes a bit fuzzy.

I would like to see data tools and analytics that not only tell the stories of the past, but help us see the opportunities of the future. Artificial intelligence? Yes, please, but not just as a trendy buzzword, but as a real strategic enabler.

Toive 4:
The courage to fail and learn from it

Santa Claus, I would like to be reminded that sometimes failure is the best thing that can happen. Maybe you could bring us a sign in all the meeting rooms that says: ”Fail Fast, Learn Faster.”

In the coming year, I want our management team to feel that. you can take risks and learn from your mistakes - without threatening anyone's position.

Toive 5:
Responsibility in heart and actions

Then there is accountability. I know, Santa, that your reindeer run ecologically, but we in business still have a long way to go to achieve sustainability.

Not just ESG reports and certificates, but a genuine desire to do good - for both the environment and our communities. Perhaps in the coming year we can lead change by setting an example for others?

Toive 6:
Enthusiasm that spreads from the management team throughout the organisation

The most important task of a leader is not just to lead, but to ignite the spark. Next year, I would like to see the same enthusiasm in the eyes of all the staff that I felt when I took charge of my first project.

Perhaps the spirit of Christmas could give us a gift more meaningful conversations and fewer busy emails?

Toive 7:
The wisdom and courage to stop

This Christmas, I hope for wisdom and courage stopping regularly in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. As a leader, my everyday life is often hectic, but I know that stopping is the key to clearer thinking, better decisions and sustainable growth - for myself and my team.

I would like to learn how to listen better to my own voice and the voices of others, to find priorities and to give room for creativity. The art of stopping is not a weakness, but real wisdom. Help me remember it.

Finally: a wish on leadership by itself

Dear Santa Claus, leadership is rarely a thankful job. Decisions made with care and heart are not always understood. A leader's path is full of unexpected twists and turns and lonely moments.

That's why I ask for one gift above all others: wisdom that does not fade under pressure, and humility that reminds us that no leader is the most important person in the company - but only one serving piece in a larger whole..

Santa, I know this list is long and perhaps a little ambitious. But if even some of these wishes come true, the coming year will look brighter - both for me and for the company I work for every day.

Thank you, Santa Claus, and Merry Christmas to you too!

Yours sincerely,
A leader who believes in a better future

Ps. If the Posti got lost on the way to the Korvatunturi, the MTTC elves will help you to fulfil your Christmas gift wishes. Contact us!