I have not steered a company through a pandemic before, I’m guessing you haven’t either. I was required to take the helm when my father dropped dead one day with no business partner as backup. He was a dentist, the only one in the practice, so without him, it looked like there was no business.
I didn’t have any experience running a medical practice. I didn’t know where to start. I didn’t know if I would be able to sell the business or if the patients and employees would leave in droves and the entire thing would collapse. Sixty percent or more of a medical practice’s value is goodwill; without people, I had nothing but some old equipment to sell.
Not to mention his employees were closer than family. One of them had been by his side everyday for over 30 years. If I failed, they’d have to start over; I didn’t know where or how.
But here’s what I did know: I knew, without a doubt, that everyone, and I mean everyone, employees, patients, my family and I, would be okay. It’s easy to think that extraordinary circumstances can break people. Yet we're drawn to the stories of those like Nelson Mandela, those who proved “unbreakable.”
Is it possible we love these stories because they speak to the part of us that is unbreakable?
There are many tips, tricks, and strategies for appearing confident as a leader in the face of adversity. But what if all of it is unnecessary? What if you knew everyone, including you, would be okay?
How would you deal with difficult conversations and decisions if you had the peace of mind that comes with knowing your people are more resilient, creative, and resourceful than you've ever imagined? What kind of untapped energy and ideas would you uncover if you connected to that unbreakable place not only in yourself, but in all those you lead?
Imagine the freedom and opportunity there. I can tell you that the conversations are deeper and the tough times more bearable. I can tell you that there’s no need to fake anything. I can tell you that your people will feel the difference. I can tell you a lot of wonderful things, but I’d love for you to get a glimpse of this for yourself.
Think of a moment, just a single moment, where you felt that unbreakable place in yourself. A difficult moment where you weren’t stressed out or freaking out. A moment where you knew, without a doubt, what to do. This is your starting point. Look here and see what else you find.
Artwork: The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai