Leadership Vs Commiseration - What On Earth Are You Spreading?
It is May 2020 and Singapore, the once bustling Southeast Asian archipelago, is currently in the midst of the longest lock down in her short history of 54 years.
The world continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic with governments clamouring to find the right strategy that balances economic continuity and public health.
Tensions run high as frustrated business owners feel increasingly helpless in the face of environmental factors beyond their control.
Cracks in society, culture, business models, family units - once overlooked, now cannot be ignored.
Times like these test the resilience of a nation's psyche, but more pragmatically, their public healthcare systems. For leaders, all leaders, it also presents an opportunity to provide a vision of hope to more safely navigate your guys out of this storm.
If history is a guide, it reveals to us a truth we probably already know - that change is inevitable. Were we expecting any different?
However, if history continues to be our guide, we also know that through adversity comes growth.
The sooner we can accept this, the quicker and more appropriately we can respond to it.
An important lesson to revisit is the idea of mental agility and the value of pivoting. In life and business, this is something possible only with a clear mind that not only appreciates reality, but is also sensitive to opportunity as a result of this appreciation.
The catalyst for this post is the surfacing of many disgruntled voices of business owners. Especially in the health, wellness and fitness industry. I'm part of this industry too.
It is a concern because many of these individuals are influential. Their charisma has created a platform that impacts the minds of the many followers they have attracted.
While it could be the case that they simply reflect the ideals of the tribe they have amassed, this is an opportunity to foster positive change… after they have validated the feelings of the audiences they captivate.
Do you drive better when you are stressed, worried, frustrated? Or are you able to take in more information to navigate more effectively when your mind is centred and clear?
When navigating tough terrains, are your passengers more at ease when you are stressed out and frustrated? Are you expecting them to commiserate with you?
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
These winds of change can crush you, or cause you to soar. Your response, no matter how small the shift, can change the outcome.
Till we meet again, stay safe, stay courageous!
