Leadership Tips from Buddy the Elf: An Exclusive Interview

Hello, I’m Lillian Winter, your host. We welcome to our leadership podcast today a very special guest, Buddy the Elf, best known for his movie Elf and as author of There’s Room for Everyone on the Nice List: An Elf Leadership Journey. We’re pleased that you’re able to join us today, Buddy.

Buddy: It’s great to be here, Lillian. Lillian! That’s fun to say. Lillian.

Lillian: Umm, thanks, Buddy. We hear a lot about leadership strategies on our podcast yet your view is quite unique, coming from your background and all. I understand your new book highlights your perspective on leadership. Tells us about that.

Buddy: Yes. I learned from the best: Santa. And well, Papa Elf, too. And from dodging cabs in New York. You know. 

Lillian: Sounds fascinating.

Buddy: Yes, Lillian [smiles]. I had quite a leadership journey, as you know. Through the seven levels of the candy cane forest, through the sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops, and then through the Lincoln Tunnel. It was very exciting. But that was just the beginning.

Lillian: Yes, umm, yes. But tell us how that informed your leadership insights.

Buddy: Oh yes. There’s lots I learned about leadership and stuff. The first thing I learned is that it’s important to sing loud and clear for all to hear. 

Lillian: Sing? Like what? 

Buddy: Well, anything really. Well, not anything. But what’s important. 

Lillian: Like?

Buddy: Well, like what’s important for everyone to know. Like that Santa Claus is coming to town. Or maybe something about the future of your workshop or company. Everyone needs to know where you’re going, so singing it loud and clear for all to hear ensures that everyone knows where we’re going. We sang a lot at Santa’s workshop—always about making toys and smiling. I like smiling. But we always knew what was important.

Lillian: Yes, I see.

Buddy: Oh! And then there’s the naughty list.

Lillian: What does the naughty list mean for leadership?

Buddy: Well, we all can make bad choices. I mean, my dad was on the naughty list but he made some better choices and learned. And found a way to grow and eventually sing!

Lillian: So leadership in that case is giving people opportunities to grow and learn from mistakes, right?

Buddy: Sure. Like I did after drinking two liters of pop. A questionable choice.

Lillian: I see. I also believe you have a perspective on knowing people’s favorite colors. Tell us about that.

Buddy: Oh, that’s a fun one. A lot of people might say their favorite color is red or green, especially this time of year. But you never really know until you ask. So asking questions is great leadership, I think. So what’s your favorite color, Lillian [smiles]?

Lillian: Umm, blue, I guess.

Buddy: See, now I know more about you and can ask more questions. Like why blue? Or what is your favorite blue candy? Yum.

Lillian: So asking questions is a leadership tip?

Buddy: Yep. The more the better.

Lillian: Hmm. Yes. I see how that can be valuable as a leader—knowing what your team is thinking or the trouble they are having. What else can you tell us? I understand you have quite a bit to say about accountability?

Buddy: Wow. That’s a big word! I’m not exactly sure this is what you mean, but I know how awful I felt when I fell 915 units short of my Etch A Sketch goal one day. Boy, I was nervous and felt terrible and my elf-mates knew I was stressed—that just doesn’t happen at the North Pole, you know.

Lillian: So what happened?

Buddy: Well, Ming Ming, my supervisor, was disappointed but knew I was just in the wrong job. We knew how many toys we needed to make for that Christmas—Santa has a terrific production forecast model—and those were clearly communicated. But I just couldn’t do it. I think my hands might have been too big or my legs too long. Anyway. I just didn’t have what it took to be a successful Etch A Sketch builder.

Lillian: So the leadership lesson there is to be clear about responsibilities and hold people accountable. And if they’re not in the right role, make changes. Is that right?

Buddy: Oh yes. I mean, we have a thorough training system at Santa’s workshop. You can learn to do most anything—even test toys [small smile]. But [bigger smile] you also need to congratulate people when great work is done—like how we celebrate after each Christmas season. But the accomplishment doesn't have to be as big as giving every kid in the world a gift. It could be as simple as making the “World’s best cup of coffee.” Those people deserve to be recognized. Maybe just with a smile. Smiling’s my favorite!

Lillian: And what about that idea of having some fun before you melt away? What’s your take on fun and leadership?

Buddy: Well, fun. Yes, that’s especially special, super special. But I think you’re referencing another movie.

Lillian: Oh, sorry about that.

Buddy: That’s ok. Sometimes we lose track of where we are or where we’re going and need a little feedback or push to get back on track. I felt that way for a bit but I found someone who could help me—Santa was a terrific mentor. Most people don't know that about him..And Jovie-–she also was fantastic. She was so brave to finally sing in public. They both showed me how to believe again. Believe in something that is important; something important to me.

Lillian: Wow. That’s quite inspirational, Buddy. Such a stirring story. I’m sorry to say that we’re running out of time. How about your final thoughts?

Buddy: Hmm. I guess it’s really best said in the title of my book, There’s Room for Everyone on the Nice List!  I think people are generally good—even the South Pole elves. They can just make a bad decision sometimes. I once borrowed a tree from the park. My intention was good but as fun as that was, it had consequences. But I got a second chance once I became aware of my choice and I was able to help my brother and dad and others, like the mailroom workers.

Lillian: That is an incredible story, Buddy. Thank you again. You’ve been a fabulous guest. You can find Buddy’s book, There’s Room for Everyone on the Nice List: An Elf Leadership Journey, at your favorite independent book store. 

Join us next week when we welcome our guest, Clifford the Big Red Dog, who will share his fundamental life lesson of being big and red and a dog when everyone else isn’t. Thanks again, Buddy.

Buddy: No, thank you! And remember, even a cotton-headed ninny muggins can be a leader!

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