You’ve likely heard it countless times before.
From American football, to military slogans, to Billy Ocean’s 1985 hit song.
Unfortunately, we’ve so often heard this phrase it’s become cliché-
“When the going gets tough- the tough get going.”
Well my friend, the going has gotten tough.
And the easy path is to withdraw and harden.
To dive into fear and panic.
To defer toward what can be easily measured, making dire predictions and fear-based choices.
Forecasts of doom and the choices that go along with them serve no one. They only help widen and deepen the collective pool of despair.
True leaders make a different choice. And thank God they do, because when times are toughest, that’s when they’re needed most.
When times are toughest, this is when true leaders arise- often from unlikely places.
And HOW they arise can seem counterintuitive.
True leaders do NOT pounce on the scene thumping their chests like Mighty Mouse-
True leaders move forward with quiet resolve.
They deliver flexible and adaptable strength, achieving impact through use of ‘soft’ skills, real skills- the skills that matter most.
Toughest times test our mettle. And once tested, they present each of us with grand opportunity to rise and to lead. Such times offer…
· your opportunity to hold yourself together and help others do the same
· your opportunity to turn off the news and ‘level up’ above the noise with quiet resolve and proactive awareness
· your opportunity to contribute insight and demonstrate care
· your opportunity to internally nurture yourself and those around you
In short, the toughest times offer your best opportunities to give and to serve.
It’s in the toughest times when those you care about need you the most.
One of my favorite TV shows is New Amsterdam, in which actor Ryan Eggold plays Dr. Max Goodwyn, a newly-installed Medical Director at America’s oldest public hospital.
Episode after episode, Dr. Goodwyn tears through bureaucracy, breaks the rules, and challenges the status quo.
He has, as you would say in Spanish- cojones.
Max’s strongest influence however, comes through the way he relates to those around him.
Whenever someone approaches him with a problem or concern, he responds with, “How can I help?”
And he means it.
So here’s my parting thought for this issue of Monday Mindset, which you can put action to immediately.
This is HOW to LEAD (especially during ‘tough’ times)…
The next time anyone comes to you with an issue, a challenge, or their lamented version of the latest broadcast news, simply ask, “How can I help?”
And mean it.
And follow through.
Our world has long been wanting for leaders whose only agenda is what’s ultimately best for everyone.
Now more than ever, our world needs you.
Make your choice to truly lead.
And do it again.
And again.
For as long as it takes.
In closing, my question to you is, “How can I help?”
If you’d like to comment, please do so at the bottom of this page.
Take care of yourself and stay safe.
Until next time,
Tim Autrey
Founder/CEO- PPI
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