Leading in Difficult Times

Leading in difficult times requires focusing on some basic leadership principles we sometimes take for granted.  The first of these is that we as leaders are given a great responsibility to care for those individuals entrusted to us.  We are leading people and thus responsible for their care, a critical reality considering the current pandemic.  It means adjusting expectations to account for the stress our team members are experiencing; stress related to working from home, to the fears of becoming ill, or resulting from a loved one being diagnosed with CoVid-19.  Whatever the cause, we need to remember that leading is not about us, it is about those we lead and ensuring they have the necessary support to navigate through this difficult crisis.  Those who have empowered and entrusted us to lead on their behalf expect no less of us as leaders.

Second, we need to remember that our leadership role is temporary, we will all move on from our current roles.  For some, it will be a promotion to another position or a move to another company for a more fulfilling role or better pay.  Whatever the reason, we need to avoid getting too comfortable and the assumption that our current leadership role is permanent because regardless of our tenure, we will move on.  This means we have a limited time to do our best, to lead with excellence.  It means staying focused on making sure our teams have all they need to be successful, that every team member is addressed based on their individual circumstances.

Thirdly, we need to remember that we are accountable for our roles as leaders.  We are accountable to those who have chosen us to lead and to those whom we have chosen to lead.  That accountability requires us to consider the type of leaders we are going to be, leaders focused on ourselves or leaders focused on those we serve.  Servant leaders understand that leading is about serving others, we provide balance to ensure we stay centered on our organizational mission and values, never sacrificing either because of any one person.  We do this while remembering who we are and ensuring we never bend on those critical values all leaders should practice.  Everything we do should align with being respectfully honest, practicing excellence, being accountable, and working as a team.

Leadership is difficult in any given situation but during difficult times, it is critical that we as leaders remember we are responsible for those we lead, that our roles are temporary or seasonal, and that we will be held accountable for how we conduct ourselves.  Just a little advice to go!

Second Chances

Are there no second chances for the young child of color today, second chances to grow up and play.

Second chances to correct a wrong, to pontificate with friends about a favorite song.

Too young to die, to old to cry, no second chances and the question is why?

Why not a second chance, for that young Black child, a chance to grow, a chance to smile,

A Latino child with the same exact smile, hoping to live more than just a little while.

Why not a second chance for that young man of color, that man we should all call our brother,

For that sister who is much like you and me mister; different in gender and color of skin, still undeniably our kin.

Second chances to escape an unwarranted death, death at the hands of the protector, neglecter, rejecter and disrespecter.

A second chance to smile, sing, love, hug, make a wrong right and live another night;

To overcome the hate, sexism, racism, and all the isms of this place, A second chance to make their case. 

Second chances, why not a second chance, first chance, Never had a chance...