Top 12 Leadership Lessons I Learned from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Here are the top 12 takeaways I learned from Rudolph and his animated friends:
1. Leaders own their mistakes.
Santa was wrong when he told Rudolph he would never lead the sleigh because of his nose. But he owned it. Imagine if every leader acknowledged their mistakes, apologized, corrected the course, and made sure not to repeat them.
2. Exclusion hurts—and it often comes from ignorance, not intent.
Coach Comet shut Rudolph out of the reindeer games. He also acknowledged his mistake, owned it, and apologized. Leaders set the tone for inclusion and fairness, whether it be on a playground, in a workplace or in a home.
3. Peer pressure can lead to poor behavior, but growth is possible.
The young reindeer followed Fireball when he teased Rudolph about his red, glowing nose. He was afraid of someone who was a little bit different than he was. Later, they all realized they were wrong. Leaders teach teams that it is never too late to correct a bad choice and not to give into peer pressure, especially when it’s wrong and hurts people.
4. Parents and mentors sometimes get it wrong, too.
Donner, Rudolph’s Dad tried to hide Rudolph’s difference. Even with good intentions, leaders can contribute to limiting beliefs. The key is to continue learning, growing, and modeling better practices as they change their mindset. Parents aren’t perfect; they’re human or in this case a reindeer. Nevertheless, we can all do better.
5. Clarice shows what true friendship looks like.
She didn’t care about Rudolph’s red nose. She saw his character. Leaders who look past differences create loyalty, trust, and confidence as they support people in growing into the people they are meant to be and reaching their true potential.
6. Everyone Wants to Feel a Sense of Belonging and Self-worth.
King Moonracer, who reigned over the Island of Misfit Toys, understood the importance of belonging. He created the Island, so every toy had a home of some kind. He helped the toys persevere until they found a permanent home of their own.
The Misfit Toys remind us that everyone wants to belong. No one on the Island of Misfit Toys had anything “wrong” with them just because they didn’t fit a mold that society set. They were simply - different. Charlie-in-the-Box, the polka-dot elephant, the square-wheeled train and the little doll—each had charm, humor, and heart. People don’t need to fit a mold to add value; they need to feel seen, heard, and appreciated and be given the opportunity to capitalize on their strengths and what they have to offer.
Leaders help people see their strengths, contributions, and potential. He also helped Rudolph and his friends understand they needed to return to the North Pole and work with their friends and not run away from responsibility.
7. Leaders Know the Importance of Collaboration: Connecting through networking.
King Moonracer understood the value of teamwork and collaboration. He knew he needed partners to help the toys find a home. Rudolph was the perfect ally since he knew Santa. We all need support and someone who has different connections and strengths than we have.
8. The Value of Being Purpose-Driven and Staying True to Who You are Meant to Be.
Hermey’s (the elf) dream is crystal clear. While every other elf is content making toys, he dreams of being a dentist. Leaders who show up as their true selves build deeper trust, foster psychological safety, and encourage others to pursue better paths even when they are unpopular. He refuses to accept “this is how it’s always been done.”
9. Complementary Strengths Make Teams Stronger: Advocate for Your People and See Their Potential
Yukon Cornelius recognizes potential in others—like Bumble—long before anyone else does. Leaders who look beneath the surface spot hidden strengths, develop talent, and unlock potential others may miss. Great leaders help their team members grow into their strengths. They look beyond the exterior to find hidden talent and unexpected potential on the inside. When you can see what’s on the inside, you suddenly see it on the outside too.
10. Leaders are Resourceful and Don’t Let Obstacles Get in Their Way.
Yukon Cornelius shows up prepared. He also adapts, improvises, and makes the most of whatever he has, even when the journey gets messy, uncomfortable, or uncertain he remains committed to his goal. Leadership requires commitment: to the work, to the people, and to the values guiding both.
11. Belief in Your Own Gifts and Others is Essential.
Rudolph and Hermie learned to embrace what made them different. Their uniqueness became their superpower. Leaders must know their strengths and use them with confidence and class. Rudolph’s grace, and Hermey’s intelligence and empathy blended with Yukon’s boldness and courage. Together, they balanced each other out. Leaders who build diverse teams with a variety of skillsets, personalities, and experiences—produce better outcomes, reduce blind spots, and innovate more effectively.
12. Keep Your Promises and Lift Others as You Rise.
Rudolph remembered the Misfit Toys. He returned to keep his promise—because true leadership includes staying true to your word, elevating others, and not just achieving your own success but partnering with others to help them achieve theirs.
As we wrap up 2025 and look toward the new year, I challenge you to ask yourself the following four questions:
What do I want to see more of?
What do I want to be known for?
How can I lead with purpose, authenticity, and courage to make the year ahead my strongest yet?
What am I willing and able to do to make my dreams come true and to help other people realize their dreams?
