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Leader ToC™ is back with a special interview (but they all are special truthfully).  Still… this month, with our new iteration of editions about to launch in 2018… and now 14 in the series of Leader ToC™ Blog Posts:

… we are thrilled to have Bruce Templeton contribute to the conversation around leadership and character at Leader ToC™.  We hope you engage and enjoy.

INTRODUCING Bruce Templeton

Bruce is a special, humble and generous man.  He knows Santa Claus very well; much better than most.    Here is a little on Bruce.

Bruce Templeton has assisted Santa Claus in St. John’s, Newfoundland for 39 years and has had more than 1500 visits in a red suit. Those visits have generated some amazing memories for the children, the families and yes, for him.  Bruce is the only living Santa in Canada, of the 20 in the world, to be a member of the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame. He has also been knighted as a Knight of St. Nicholas. Bruce has written three books and, through those efforts and with matching funds from Rotary and the Gates Foundation, he has bought polio vaccine for 300,000 children.  Now Bruce would like to stand in front of your group and talk to you. He would like to tell you a few stories and take you on a journey with him. Join him in the parade, on the Flight to the North Pole and in the children’s hospital on Christmas Eve.  Check out his TEDx Talk. You can also connect with Bruce directly at Man in the Red Suit.

So, let us…

Engage the Leader ToC™

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

Hi Bruce.  I am so glad that you agreed to contribute because I know that you can bring a special perspective to the dialogue.  We typically start with two questions in one … “Who are you and what is it you do?

BRUCE TEMPLETON

Thank you Barry.  I am Bruce Templeton and I have the privilege of assisting Santa Claus for more than 1500 visits over 38 years. Some of these visits are happy, some are very sad but what turned out as an “act” has become a ministry.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

A ministry?  Fascinating, and I love it.  There is a deeper level of Service in that.  With that in mind and heart, for whom do you do this work best? In other words, who is your best audience?

BRUCE TEMPLETON

There are many “audiences” for my work. I start with the Santa Claus Parade were there are 60,000 people. I finish holding tiny children in the Neonatal Unit of the Children’s Hospital on Christmas Eve. My “best audience” comes in the broad smile of an enchanted child when we keep the dream alive.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

I can only imagine.  And, I can feel it as you say it.  There is a sense of real “magic” in it.  Then, how do you best serve them in doing so? In other words, how do you offer what you do?

BRUCE TEMPLETON

I serve best when I can bring hope and reassurance. When I can make the “not-so-normal” seem “normal”  again; then I know that I have met the challenge.  Some of the questions are not easy at all. The answers require careful thought.  “Santa, my daddy died last month. Was it my fault and will  you see him in heaven at night?”

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

Wow, and that is an understated wow.  That takes such Service and Courage and Empathy.  I admire your Strength in such work.  If we look at it from another angle… based on your work over the years… in these times, what are the challenges and opportunities of leadership… from your perspective and experience?

BRUCE TEMPLETON

When you portray one of the most trusted figures in the world, the greatest challenge is simply living up to the responsibility for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Everyone in my community knows what I do. It is not enough to have police screening done each year. It is how you behave and conduct your daily living such that your reputation never is tarnished. It takes a lifetime to build a reputation and you can tear it down in 5 minutes.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

Indeed, and in deed.  I hear that, loud and clear.  Trustworthiness is such a valuable “commodity” in the world… at home, school, work, business and community.  And character matters.  So, when considering the strengths of leadership as they might relate to character… what virtues do you consider to be paramount as strengths and why do you believe them vital?

BRUCE TEMPLETON

I don’t think that any course can teach “integrity” and “doing the right thing.” Always tell the truth, always put the other person first. Always do what is in their best interest.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

Indeed, and agreed.  My own work with The Virtues Project™ for years is premised on the reality that all matters of character are sourced inwardly.  We all have access to practicing character and it is our choice.  All that anyone can do is encourage it.  Given that, what is one piece of advice you might have for our readership on developing leadership and strength of character in these times?

BRUCE TEMPLETON

We do seem to live in uncertain times. My own experience is teaching me that our value systems are all developed before we are 18 years old. So I believe that the memories for children are what determines those values and they can only be formed through family experiences. What do you remember about your Christmas? I’ll bet you can’t remember one thing you got under a tree.  Go sliding, roast marshmallows, make cookies, go and visit an elderly relative. Quietly, give Thanks.  Just do some random act of kindness with a child and feel the warmth you will receive from your priceless gift.

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

The only gifts under the tree I remember have special meaning in their giving.  The joys of the memories are not grounded in the “stuff”.  I could not agree more.  I am hearing the importance of presence, not presents.  I am hearing the importance of time over toys.  I am hearing much we need to hear; and I truly appreciate your perspective.  So, with that in mind and appreciative of your time, how can someone connect with you for more information on your work?

BRUCE TEMPLETON

Barry, I can be reached through the website   https://manintheredsuit.wordpress.com/… or you can read one of my three books. Start with “The Man in the Red Suit.” (Find a quiet corner for an hour. Get a box of tissues and a cup of tea or a glass of wine!)

BARRY LEWIS GREEN

Love it.  I am sincerely thankful that you took the time Bruce… and encourage anyone to connect with you.  It has been a pleasure.

BRUCE TEMPLETON

Thank you Barry, and Merry Christmas.

Leader ToC™ out…

Folks, please check out Bruce. I very much encourage you.  Very much.  And, yes, we continue on.  Continuing into 2018 … we will engage and explore with experts and leaders around the globe.  We invite you to join us.

Until next month…  Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

Peace, passion and prosperity.

Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy™

Barry is ultimately a vocalist, strength coach and educator. His work is about exploring, identifying, practicing and mastering our strengths and building upon them through practical and powerful unityand resourcefulness. That is why Barry is The Unity Guy™. EPIC Engage™ is an extension of The Unity Guy™. The Epic work is all about building strong, united and inspired cultures lead by character… at school, work, business and community; where everyone matters and contributes everyday.

PS

Some other reads, of note…

PPS (Other Resources)

  • Our work is all about character. We work hard and joyfully to help build character driven, united and resourceful organizations and communities around the globe. As part of that work, we offer you …
  • and our buffet of FREE services and resources here.