The Genius of St. Patrick’s Day

Greetings.  It's St. Patrick's Day and, as luck would have it, there are plenty of opportunities to join in the celebration.  There are St. Patrick's Day parties, pubs with green beer flowing, parades, performances, and even the spectacle of dying the Chicago River a mouth-watering shade of green.

What started as a religious holiday to honor the most famous patron saint of Ireland, has morphed into a very popular celebration of Irish culture in Ireland and wherever people with Irish ancestry live.  In fact, it has actually become a day when all of us claim to be at least a little bit Irish–wearing shamrocks or at least something green, singing traditional Irish songs, dancing traditional Irish dances, downing a Guinness or two (or three), enjoying popular Irish foods like Irish stew and boiled bacon and cabbage, or even attending a "ceilidh" or social gathering where one might meet a potential spouse.  And many people still go to mass or a special St. Patrick's Day service in keeping with this almost 500 year-old tradition.  We can even start the day in many cities by trying a delicious green bagel and green cream cheese in a clever twist on "fusion" cuisine.

For an outsider, the genius of St. Patrick's Day is it's sense of openness and inclusion.  The notion that we can all be Irish for a day–or until the effects of the beer wear off.  And that includes having the chance to share the luck of the Irish.  It's this sense of welcoming, with hardly a barrier to participation, that is definitely worth thinking about as we try to guide and grow our companies and organizations.  The ease with which this holiday enables us to associate, join in, have fun, and actually feel that we belong.  

So on this very special holiday, why not take the time to ask yourself and your colleagues two important questions: "What could you do to create the very same feeling for the customers you serve and the employees who are essential to your success?"  And, "What ritual or rituals could you create that would easily spark their interest, spirit, engagement, and enthusiastic support for what you offer?"

We win in business and in life by being more inclusive, sharing a cherished part of our culture with others, and making everyone feel that they belong.  And when the experience comes with a party and a premium quality malt beverage–it's an even better deal. 

Cheers and have a joyful St. Paddy's Day from all of the O'Gregermans!