At this time of year, it is customary to wish people a “safe, happy and healthy holiday.” Now don’t get me wrong, these are all good wishes to extend, but they are just that —good, standard, and somewhat uninspired. As the CEO of a company whose brand commitment is to provide customers “Experience Excellence” and whose values include both the passion to exceed and the passion to serve, suggesting safe, happy and healthy seems a little too, well, safe.
I recently read an editorial in the Globe and Mail by Peter Aceto, the CEO of ING, about the need for business leaders to show their passions in the workplace. Instead of adopting a robotic detached response to everything , whether positive or negative, you instead need to engage your customers and employee relationships, and inspire them with your passion.
I couldn’t agree more.
So this holiday season my wishes will be for you to embrace your passions and try something a little less safe. Now I’m not suggesting you throw caution to the wind, just merely to take the chance with a little managed risk — we are an insurance company after all!
How about trying something new and challenging like learning to snowboard or taking part in a New Year’s Day Polar Bear Dip, or maybe taking the time to get to know someone different at work? Or why not use the holidays to reach out to that friend, family member or former colleague that you haven’t connected with in a number of years? You could also use this time to launch your much-dreamed-about home-based business, or start your own blog on your favourite topics. The options are endless!
If we all pursue our passions, what a happier world we would create. Therefore, I propose we try out this new holiday greeting: “Let your passion shine this holiday!” I hope that it will be lasting and memorable for you and your family. Oh and safe, happy and healthy, too!
Warm regards,
Michael
