The Crisis at the North Pole: A Leadership Story that Went Down in History

Once upon a time, a team faced an immense dilemma. As the story goes, it was the perfect storm—literally and figuratively. The conditions forced a rethinking of logistics, while the affable CEO faced personal challenges, the team lost confidence and direction, and everyone was looking for leadership. All seemed lost. Christmas would be canceled.

But it wasn’t. 

Most who have analyzed the crisis and the response to it have cited Santa’s leadership. Rudolph also often gets credit. Afterall the stop-motion documentary recreating this crisis is called “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer”—so it is a fair assumption. And yet much happened before the famous line “Rudolph with your nose so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” But how was Christmas really saved?

The natural first place to look is the ostensible leader: Santa—the guy at the top of the org chart. He built a terrific team; a team that was clearly aligned with the operation’s purpose: deliver the joy of Christmas. Each and every day that team worked to fulfill the organization's mission. And Santa’s constant emphasis on the mission kept the team energized.

But there is more to this story than Santa.  

How about Rudolph? He was the gifted individual contributor who at first did not understand the team concept. Despite his initial instincts to run away from trouble and challenge, he eventually discovers that he can create value despite his perceived personal limitations, leading Santa to the Island of Misfit Toys to allow those toys to fulfill their purpose. Now that’s an absolutely leader move: creating impactful outcomes. 

Yet the story is still missing something. 

How about Hermey, the elf dentist? He is clearly a man who knows his purpose yet is unfulfilled in his current role. Even his manager doesn’t get it. But he too—through self examination—delivers impact by making good choices (utilizing his nascent dentistry skills on the Abominable Snow Monster). It was a true growth mindset move. 

And speaking of the Abominable Snow Monster how about:

The Abominable Snow Monster. He’s the classic toxic performer who has no sense of the consequences of his actions. Yet eventually, through experience and life lessons (and falling off a cliff), he learns to accept change (and fewer teeth) and embraces a new role that aligns perfectly with his skill: topping the tree. It’s a terrific lesson of adaptation. 

Still. The success story feels incomplete. Who really created success?

There is also Mrs. Claus, who motivated Santa and moderated his insecurities with just the right amount of direct and compassionate feedback (“Eat, Santa!”). And then there’s King Moonracer, the leader of the Island of Misfit Toys and Clarice, Rudolph’s young love interest. 

Yes, the story is quite intricate. 

And what about Yukon Cornelius? He’s the classic rogue contributor, mostly concerned with his own well-being—”silver and gold!” Yet, despite his independent nature, Yukon found he could mentor and support Rudolph and Hermey, even sacrificing his own personal goals for that of the team (fortunately, “Bumbles bounce”).

Which now leads to the real story: 

It wasn’t “who” saved Christmas, it was “what.” And the “what” was a focus on purpose—a clear, unwavering focus from Santa down through the entire North Pole organization. The whole team exhibited a belief in each other and trust that they could overcome any obstacles to deliver the joy of Christmas. Yes a team. Sure one with an elf, talking reindeer, a snow monster, an arctic prospector, and a dentist. But most importantly, a team with direction and purpose. And fortunately a story that will “go down in history.”

Notes:

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Movie

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