“Here’s a nugget of leadership wisdom that I’ve picked up over the decades…You can’t possibly focus on your mission without focusing on the folks that make your mission happen.  The two go hand in hand…And besides, since you manage things and lead people common sense suggests that it’s people who are at the core of all leadership activities.”  (The Leadership Secrets of Santa Claus, WalkTheTalk.com, page 14)

I’ve written a lot about the importance of the people who support you, and on this lazy Sunday morning, I’m thinking about how bizarre the first quarter of the year is for so many photographers.  You go nuts in the last quarter of the year and then BOOM it’s January and things just get quiet.   You’re trying to think about what to do in the new year or maybe you’re just avoiding thinking about what you should have done better in 2009.

But it’s the same for just about everybody.  If you’re in retail, seasonality is over.  If you’re in manufacturing, you’re struggling to get ready for the following year.  If you’re a consumer, there’s an underlying tone of quiet panic as you think about getting your taxes ready and wonder what the new year will bring.   

For everybody it’s the perfect time to think about all the people who support you every day.  If you’re a photographer and lucky enough to have a staff, it’s a great time to think about ways you can help them grow. The more they understand the business the bigger asset they’ll become.  But, if you’re like most photographers without a formal staff, then it’s still the perfect time to recognize all those people in your life who help you do your job – from your lab, album or frame company to the UPS guy and to “Santa’s” biggest helpers, your family!

So, it’s not a new theme this morning.  Nothing earth-shaking or filled with wisdom – just plain old common sense – hug your family, your friends and what the hell, hug the UPS guy!  You’re only as good as the people who support you and believe in you.  Trust them, keep them involved and they’ll come through for you every time – just as good as Donner and Blitzen!