Great leaders can see sunshine while standing in the rain. Don’t get me wrong, they readily acknowledge the rainstorm. In fact, they are the ones holding umbrellas over their people. These leaders do not dismiss the concerns of their team, but they also never let them forget where they are going.
One contemporary version of leadership is the visionary who ignores the present and charges toward the future hoping to inspire others to follow. I believe, however, that people are inspired by leaders who acknowledge the present and join their team on the journey that must be taken. People are inspired by the humanity of leaders…individuals who share their own fears, empathize with the concerns of others, and who refuse to leave anyone behind.
These are unsettling times. Don’t be afraid to be afraid. But don’t let it prevent you from charting a course to a better place, showing your people the path and asking them to help you get there…and do everything possible to keep your team together along the way because their collective strength is far greater than the sum of their parts.
Be intentional about it…
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