Be More Rudolph

With Christmas almost upon us and everywhere we go Christmas music is playing, it’s unlikely you will hear songs you don’t already know. From Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ to Slade’s ‘I wish it could be Christmas everyday’ you are probably singing along without even realising it.

Although not a chart topper, we all know the song ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’. If you haven’t heard it, it’s about one of Santa’s reindeers, who ‘had a very shiny nose’! He was picked on by his colleagues for being different as his nose was big and red. Santa needed help one night and called on Rudolph, and because he did a good job, all of a sudden his colleagues changed their tune and liked him.

Thinking about this song, (perhaps too much), have you ever thought about poor old Rudolph. The other reindeers were mean and used to treat him badly, all because he was different. His nose wasn’t like the others, it was bigger, brighter and very red.

The other reindeers were bullies, and to be honest, Santa should have done something about it and dealt with it sooner. Can we honestly say that Donner, Dancer, Vixen, Prancer, Blitzen, Dasher, Comet and Cupid were nice when they picked on a poor reindeer because he was different. Shame on them.

They only ever loved Rudolph when he saved the day on that foggy night and he was the one to lead Santa and the herd safely across the globe, ensuring no interruption to Santa’s deliveries.

So whilst Rudolph saved the night with his ability to steer Santa and Co around the globe, the rest of the reindeers suddenly liked him. Rudolph should find better colleagues.

However, despite all the drama, Rudolph is the colleague or friend you want to have. I think we can all be a bit more Rudolph and here are 5 ways to do this:

1. Embrace what makes you different – we are all different, from our eyes, hair, personality, nose, fingerprints and so on. It doesn’t matter about any of these, what matters is being a kind person (or reindeer). When we speak with our friends, colleagues or family we don’t bring up our differences each time, instead we get on with our interactions. We are all unique. Why would we want to be the same – that’s boring. Embrace your big, shiny, red nose. Don’t let it get you down. You are special and wonderful, and someone out there is wishing they had your nose.
2. Be confident in your abilities – whatever they are, be confident. You are talented and if you get that call where you need to step up then be confident. You can do this. Rudolph was brave and confident to lead Santa and the team out when visibility was poor. He did it though and all the presents were delivered as planned. What talents do you have? Think about work and what you are an expert in. Stand up and be confident, you know your stuff.
3. Stay strong – you can do this, remember bullies are weak, they have the issues. They pick on those they perceive as weak to make themselves feel better. You are far stronger than you realise. Whilst we can admire Rudolph for not letting it get to him, he should have spoken up to Santa. Being strong is positive however, report those who are bullying you, speak to your manager, HR or a colleague and ask for help. This isn’t to be tolerated. If someone is making your life a misery, then please talk to someone and make sure action is taken. Your work has a duty of care to ensure you are safe at work.
4. Be reliable – be the person people come to in their hour of need because you are dependable and will get the job done. They know you will give it your best and will not let them down. Go Rudolph!
5. Be your own shining star and be proud – guide that sleigh, be a role model and most importantly enjoy it. Be the best version of you regardless of what is going on. Don’t be afraid to take on a challenge. Think of how much you will learn and grow. Even if you make mistakes, use it as a learning opportunity. We don’t know if Rudolph got lost on the way, or had to stop and read a map or ask for directions, all we know is he helped Santa deliver the gifts and all was well. Shine bright and be proud.

The next time you hear the Rudolph song and are singing along, think about how strong he is and how much he stays true to himself. He doesn’t let others get him down or shy away when Santa needs his help, instead, he steps up and take on the challenge.

Be you and be a little more Rudolph.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas, I hope you all have a lovely time, whether you are with loved ones or friends or prefer to have the day to yourself. Take care and look after you.

Love Emma xx