The worst can bring out your personal best
The $71 Billion in damage caused by Hurricane Sandy was property damage alone. The costs to the very soul of the survivors has yet to be calculated. Some packed up and left in despair. They would never return. Others stuck it out and fought back. They braved shattered dreams, filthy waters, and dangerous mold. Nearly six months later they are still restoring their homes and neighborhoods with courage and inner strength. The storm set them back but they refused to let it take them down.
Courage is born in the storm. Anyone can work in sunny days. But courage puts its collar up and marches against the winds. Courage shouts its defiance. It refuses to give up until the territory that was taken is recovered.
Leadership is also born in storms. Leaders learn to stick it out and rebuild.
Maybe you’re going through a storm. Financing for your project fell through. A key staff member is leaving. Your plans were voted down by a board with too little vision. You’re left in the rubble. Now you have choices. Pack up and leave or stick it out and rebuild. Sticking it out is the hardest choice. But it pays the greatest dividends. Here are some tips for leading through the storm:
Determine to win.
The storm isn’t greater than your will to overcome it.
Plan the recovery.
Calculate the risks and costs. Discover what resources are available. Seek the counsel of others who have gone through storms.
Expedite the rebuilding.
If you wait too long, the storm will have a chance to regain strength. Make the difficult decisions now and worry about criticism later.
Envision the finish.
See the restoration in your heart and mind. Praise God for victory even before the rebuilding is completed.
Blaine Lee, founding vice president of FranklinCovey wrote, “Any change, any loss, does not make us victims. Others can shake you, surprise you, disappoint you, but they can’t prevent you from acting, from taking the situation you’re presented with and moving on.”
Stay strong through the storm. God is always with you.
You are loved,
Stan
Credit: SSAI/NASA, Hal Pierce
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