The Christmas Tree Lesson: Leadership and Transformation

Here is the inspiring story my friend shared about his early days in the role and how an unexpected Christmas tree moment transformed not just his team, but his approach to leadership itself. 

When he stepped into his new role in 2022, his GCC was in rough shape. Employee morale was low, departments were working in silos, and the team seemed stuck in survival mode. “The energy was gone,” he admitted. “It felt like everyone, including me, was just going through the motions.  We weren’t even sure if our parent organization will continue to run the GCC from India”.

Then December rolled around, and the holiday season sparked an unusual idea. 

The "Crazy" Christmas Tree Plan

One morning, during an all-hands meeting, he surprised everyone with an announcement: “We’re going to build a Christmas tree together—but this tree will tell our story. It will reflect where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed.” 

The room fell silent, followed by nervous chuckles. A Christmas tree? Now? Some employees thought it was a distraction from bigger problems. But he pressed on. 

He divided the entire employees into teams and gave them specific tasks: 

- The “base” would represent their shared foundation of values. 

- The “ornaments” would symbolize milestones, lessons, and achievements—both big and small. 

- The “tree topper” would embody their collective vision for the future, designed together as one team. 

The Tree - and Team - Take Shape

As the teams worked, something unexpected happened. People who had rarely spoken to each other began collaborating. Conversations turned from frustrations to reflections on their journey. Departments started breaking down silos, one conversation at a time. 

The “base” of the tree was crafted from repurposed materials, symbolizing resilience and sustainability. 

The “ornaments” highlighted their milestones: a miniature globe for their first global scale project, a clock for lessons learned from missed deadlines, and even a tiny windmill for innovation. 

The “tree topper”, a shining star, represented their aspirational goal to transform the GCC from a transactional hub into a strategic global partner. 

A Leader Transformed 

On Christmas Eve, the tree was unveiled at a small gathering. As the lights sparkled, my friend addressed the team: 

“This tree isn’t just decoration—it’s us. It reflects our challenges, our resilience, and our potential. Together, we created something extraordinary. And just as we transformed this tree, we’ll transform this center.” 

It was a powerful moment for his team—but also for him as a leader. “That tree taught me something I didn’t expect,” he told me. “Leadership isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about creating moments where teams can reconnect, reflect, and rediscover their potential. And sometimes, leaders need those moments, too. I realized I wasn’t just helping my team transform—I was transforming myself.” 

The Ripple Effect 

The Christmas tree became more than a seasonal activity; it was the start of something bigger. The GCC entered this new year with renewed energy. Silos disappeared, cross-functional projects flourished, and the center achieved new benchmarks in performance. 

His story left me thinking: Whether it’s a symbolic gesture or a bold new idea, these moments can spark transformation—not just for teams, but for leaders themselves.  This transformation mirrors the journey of great leadership. 

1. Vision: A leader sees potential where others see just a tree. They imagine what could be—whether it's a decorated tree or a transformed organization.

2. Collaboration: Every ornament, every light, every garland represents a contribution. Each team member adds their unique "ornament" of skills and perspectives, working together to create a unified masterpiece.

3. Adaptability: No tree is perfect; some branches are too short, others too long. Yet, skilled decorators embrace the imperfections and adapt, turning challenges into opportunities. Similarly, leaders navigate uncertainties with resilience, pivoting strategies when needed and making the best of the resources they have. 

4. Sustainability: A well-tended tree brings joy for the season, but a thriving organization brings value year after year. Great leaders build systems and cultures that endure beyond fleeting moments, just as we preserve the spirit of Christmas in our hearts year-round. 

As we celebrate this season of reflection, growth, and renewal, let’s look for opportunities to create our own “Christmas tree moments” to inspire transformation in ourselves and those around us.