Receiving

Last week I was discussing with a colleague what leadership topic might be appropriate for the holiday season.  I was thinking along the lines of "giving" and "gratitude".  My colleague jokingly said how about "receiving"?  I laughed and said, come on, it's the holidays, you know the old saying, "Tis better to give than to receive".  While I continued ponder what to write,  the idea of receiving kept rolling around in my head and I decided to take it more seriously.  My guess is that most people would think of gifts and tangibles if asked what comes to mind when they hear the word "receive", especially around the holidays.  I want to turn it around and have you think for a moment of all of the amazing intangibles that you have the opportunity to receive.
As leaders, we often get caught up in giving direction, advice, vision, and support.  We can easily forget to be open to receiving; so here is my short list of things to consider receiving.  I encourage you to discuss this with others, brainstorm, and add your own to the list.
This holiday season, be open to receiving:

- Laughter and joy from the holiday spirit in the air
- The company of loved ones
- A compliment graciously
- Humility needed to accept imperfections
- A lesson from someone you wouldn't expect it from
- Friends, old and new, no matter where they are
- The frustrations and stress of the season with a warm open embrace
- Assistance where/when you typically wouldn't require it
- Patience and understanding for those around us
- Love from all around you
Lastly,  we won't fault anyone who wants to be open to receiving a new car or a vacation home in Tahiti.

Enjoy all that receiving has to offer. 
Happy Holidays!