Be The Leader You Want To Follow!
What Example Are You Setting?
When I was growing up, one of the rules our coaches had on the Squaw Valley Freestyle Team was that if we didn’t land a jump on the balls of our feet with our hands forward and make the first few turns in control, we would have to stop, take our skis off and hike back to the start. This made me furious on so many levels and often times I would sit there with tears streaming down my face. I hated that rule and felt at the time it was completely unfair. I was stubborn, I threw fits and had a very poor attitude that I am now, very embarrassed about.
One day at the end of practice, when nothing went right for me and I felt like I was hiking way more than skiing, my coach sat me down and said, “How you respond to hard things on the hill is generally how you respond to hard things in life. Do you immediately quit when you don’t want to do something? Do you try not to think about it and push through the pain? Or do you slow down your breath, acknowledge your struggle, and focus on getting better?”
This was a major aha moment for me! Immediately, my behavior and outlook changed. I embraced those opportunities to struggle and improve, worked harder to get better, and for the first time enjoyed the pain in my legs as I hiked. I came to realize that those struggles, that pain, that pushing through, that grit, is what defined my character and work ethic. I could improve under any circumstance.
Who Else Is Watching?
During these times of chaos, extreme multitasking, and an uncertain future reignites those questions. Working from home I am fortunate to be more present with my kids (some days feels more fortunate than others, lol). I am able to observe how my kids are handling the uncertainty of it all. I realized that their response is directly guided by me. Just like they learned how to use a fork, say please and thank you and tie their shoes, they take their cues on how to “show up” from me. Right now, am I showing them to slow down, breathe, acknowledge how hard this is, and try their best? Or am I whining about it all, being stubborn, and having a poor attitude? I can’t say I do it all right, or even 50% right, but I continue to ask myself the questions from so long ago and make sure I am setting the best example I know how.
Be The Leader You Want To Follow!
At work, this same scenario is playing out, and the examples you set are just as important. When we attend a meeting, respond to an unpleasant email, discuss a contentious issue with a colleague, or even just simply start our day a little flustered, these are all moments where our actions are observed and most importantly, affect others. Throughout this time of uncertainty and stress, we all have an opportunity to demonstrate how we handle adversity with grace and direction and encourage others to do so as well. We can truly lead by example, set a positive tone, and create a culture of calm and focus.
So, let's all remember to take a deep breath, acknowledge the struggle, find our focus, and be the foundation others can emulate.