Santa Claus: The Ultimate Inclusive Leader
I don’t know about you, but my holiday decorations go up well before Thanksgiving—and with the tree, lights, and ornaments come the Christmas carols. This year, while listening to a classic rendition of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” it struck me that Santa Claus just might be the ultimate inclusive leader.
Allow me to explain.
❄️What is Inclusive Leadership?
Let’s first consider the hallmarks of inclusive leadership.
Inclusive leaders:
Treat all team members with fairness and respect. This includes recognizing and respecting uniqueness without stereotyping.
Personalize individuals while creating a sense of value and belonging. Inclusive leaders valuing the diverse individual while accepting them as part of the group.
Ensure all teammates have the resources and support they need to achieve their full potential. Inclusive leaders understand that different people may require different types of resources or support.
🔑Two Key Characteristics: Curiosity & Courage
Furthermore, inclusive leaders often exhibit the characteristics of curiosity (toward diversity) and courage (to advocate for underrepresented voices). Inclusive leadership isn’t passive; it’s active. Inclusive leaders use their positional power to challenge exclusionary behaviors or structures, address inequities, and foster belonging.
🦌Now Back to the Red-Nosed Reindeer…
Rudolph was different. Because of that, the rest of the herd mocked him, verbally harassed him, and excluded him from the group activities (i.e. “reindeer games”), thus creating a hostile environment.
And this is where proactive leadership matters. Enter Santa.
🎅How Santa Claus Exemplifies Inclusive Leadership
1. Courage to Take a Stand
Jolly Old Saint Nick didn’t just sit around drinking hot cocoa and let the reindeer sort things out for themselves. Instead, Santa used his leadership position to challenge the exclusionary behavior, standing up for Rudolph when others did not. This action demonstrated courage and integrity.
2. Valuing Individual Uniqueness
Rather than dismiss differences, Santa recognized the value of Rudolph’s uniqueness:
“Rudolph, with your nose so bright,
Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?"
Inclusive leaders don’t demand sameness, rather they celebrate distinct strengths.
3. Providing Support and Opportunity
Santa didn’t just include Rudolph symbolically. He gave him resources and real responsibility aligned with his unique capability. Santa elevated him to a key role and ensured he could thrive.
📜Leadership Lessons from Santa
Rudolph’s story demonstrates what the research shows about inclusion. When leaders use their influence to challenge inequity and cultivate belonging, remarkable things happen:
Trust, commitment, and group cohesion deepen
Innovation expands
Creativity increases
Organizations adapt more rapidly
In other words, organizations become stronger and more resilient. And, thanks to Santa’s inclusive leadership, his sleigh is guided steadily each Christmas eve bringing joy to the world.
Thank you, Santa, for teaching us the importance of valuing uniqueness, advocating for the excluded, and creating an environment where differences are celebrated—and Rudolph can reach his true potential.
I hope you enjoyed this fun and festive lesson. More importantly, however, I hope you’ll apply these learnings in your teams, organizations, and daily interactions, this season and beyond.
✨
Additional Resources on Inclusive Leadership:
