The
world we live in right now is filled with uncertainty. The coronavirus
[COVID-19] pandemic has changed the way we live, work, play, think and even
worship. It has impacted every area of our lives and has caused a great deal of
fear. The number one source of fear is the fear of the unknown. If we are
totally honest, each of us have significant doses of that currently. At times
our lives seem surreal. I have to admit that I wake up on occasion asking, did
that just really happen?
As
leaders, we are frustrated by not having answers to all the questions we
typically can easily respond to with a reasonable amount of certainty. Not so
today, under current circumstances. No one knows what the future holds in
regards to the Coronavirus. Everywhere we look we see that everything that we
once knew to be true has changed. The way we do business has changed, the way
our children are taught has changed, even the restaurants we frequent have been
forced to change the way they do business. Consistency brings comfort,
inconsistency causes fear.
As
leaders, we would all like to think that in the midst of a crisis we would be
brave. I love this definition of courage; “Courage is not the absence of fear,
but rather the determination that something else is more important than fear.” [Ambrose
Redmoon]
Consistent,
strong leadership is one of the keys to having a successful business and
winning team. We are blessed to have a strong leadership team which has a
tremendous amount of experience and a strong will to succeed along with a deep
desire to do the right thing. Most importantly, they care deeply for those they
have been given the responsibility to lead.
Here are some things we know to be
true; Nobody has experienced anything quite like this; God loves us and desires
to have a personal relationship with us; He promises to guide and protect us;
My favorite bible verse that I often reach for during times of trouble is
Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths
straight.” When I am fearful, this is the verse that I can count on to help
curb my fears.During
difficult times new leaders emerge, step up to the plate and make those
difficult decisions that have to be made for the good of everyone. They lead
with purpose and integrity. They care deeply for those they lead. Douglas
MacArthur once said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the
courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of
others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of
his actions and the integrity of his intent."
Hospitably,
Coach
