Professionally, leaders relish the privilege of serving, empowering, and unleashing people. But given all the criticism, heartache, and betrayals leaders endure, the love and loyalty of a meaningful personal relationship is an awesome gift for any leader. So this Christmas, forget the fruitcake. Gift your favorite leader with a person.

Start by giving him or her, your own personal support. Personal fidelity is powerful gift to a leader. Then do all you can to help your boss have time away with the person most energizing and enriching for him or her. Perhaps encourage your corporation to hire a person to serve as a leader’s liaison, assistant, and aid. I’ve never met a leader who couldn’t use extra help getting goals met, projects done, and objectives finished.

As a leader yourself, maybe this is the year to gift yourself with a person. Consider investing in a customized and private Life Coach committed to serving you, resourcing you, and championing your personal and professional needs. Every great leader I know is supported by an incredible co-pilot, wingman, spotter, or armor-bearer of some kind.

Finally, on this Christmas Eve, let’s not forget God’s greatest gift to us all. Again, not a trinket or a toy. Not a gizmo or a gadget. But a person. The person of Jesus Christ. Unwrap and enjoy the gift of His love, grace, peace, and hope this year! Merry Christmas to you!