The holiday season can be a pretty stressful time: the hustle, the bustle, coupled with expectations can wear the most positive of people down. This holiday season, when disappointment and unfulfilled expectations are causing jingle bell to sound more like jingle hell, remember what Clarence (the prospective angel) told George Bailey in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" - "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends." To help keep your perspective this season and your spirit in tact, try these simple strategies:

Laugh - For any reason or for no reason. Laughter is the igniter of great expectations!

Connect - Spend time with friends, family, and co-workers. Lonely times can be lonelier if you don't reach out. Don't wait, if someone is on your mind...CALL! 'Tis the season!

Renew – Take a break from the hustle and bustle to get back in touch with the things that you loved about this “season” as a child. Recently, I was at a meeting where we all shared some of our childhood memories. I automatically was taken back to holidays spent singing, making gifts, and anticipating the surprises of the season. Get back in touch with that inner child….he or she is calling to you!

Step up – To quote Burt Bacharach, “What the World needs now, is love Sweet Love” and you’re just the one to do it! Talk to co-workers, volunteer, give of yourself (and your time) and share! Put that positive part of yourself out into the world and let it roll! You won’t be disappointed with what comes back….TRUST ME!

Live!! - Here it is: This isn't a dress rehearsal; it's the only life you have. LIVE! The only thing that can ever hold you back is you. Start each day with a hefty dose of PMA - Positive Mental Attitude. For a copy of MatheMATTITUDE, email me at czar@funsquadinc.com. It's mathematical proof that a good attitude will take you 100% where you want to go!

The new year holds great things for you! Remember this equation over the holidays because we will explore it more in the New Year: Goals + Optimism = Success (yes, GO=SUCCESS).
Have a great holiday season and get a head start on being positive in 2008!!

Schedule a workshop, lunch and learn, motivational meeting, or kick off a seminar with me TODAY! Email me at czar@funsquadinc.com or phone 262-960-2034. I don't think there's been a better time then right now to talk to your team about positive leadership, do you!? Live large - be in charge! Call me today!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

1. Host a holiday party with a "gag" gift exchange (yes, keep it appropriate but keep it fun)!

2. Write your Christmas list and post it on the outside of your cubicle for all to see. Add to the fun by making a "naughty and nice" list and post it too!

3. Grab your team and go caroling to other departments. Added fun comes with "personalizing" the 12 Days of Christmas Song....drink some egg nog and let the creativity flow!

December 10th - Cut the Cheese Day

December 11th - Radio Day

December 12th - Poinsettia Day

December 13th - Clip on Tie Day

December 14th - DNA Day

December 15th - National Fire Fighters Day

Decmeber 16th - Beethoven Day

One evening, in a busy lounge in the deep south, a reindeer walked in the door, bellied up to the bar and ordered a martini. Without batting an eye, the bartender mixed and poured the drink, set it in front of the reindeer, and accepted the twenty-dollar bill from the reindeer's hoof.

As he handed the reindeer some coins in change, he said, "You know, I think you're the first reindeer I've ever seen in here."

The reindeer looked hard at the hoofful of change and said, "Hmmmpf. Let me tell you something, buddy. At these prices, I'm the last reindeer you'll see in here."

I didn't even know that reindeer liked Martini's!

Happy HO HO HOLIDAYS!

Read about what I am doing in the world of humor and leadership and post what you are doing to increased teamwork, build connections and retain your quality people!

"The laughter club was great...something I will use in my personal and professional life!"

- Dawn, La Salle, IL

"I am a mental health professional and you and your presentation gave me great new methods to address the emotionally closed. Thank you!"

- Michelle Murphy, La Salle, IL

"You ROCK!"

- Trudi, Ottawa, IL

I work with people who want to increase teamwork, productivity, and communication and with organizations that want to create a more positive, change resilient culture.

There's never been a better time to connect, inspire and provide positive leadership than right now. Develop your leaders with a workshop or inspirational talk today!

Chip is a retired Navy Officer with 22 years leadership experience. He served as Commanding Officer of two separate Navy Facilities and was the Director of Security for Naval District Washington, DC during September 11th, 2001. Additionally, he is adjunct faculty for two colleges where he teaches classes in leadership, teamwork, and organizational behavior.