We often speak of the winds of change, but never specify the velocity or direction. However, there is one thing for sure, it is responsible for turbulence. Shaking up your world may be a natural consequence of the disruption caused by change. The gauntlet of change requires that the leader must be able to navigate the currents during these times of uncertainty. This ability will stabilize their organization, calm their followers and assure them that whatever the circumstances, they will come out of the situation prepared to effectively continue their journey.
There can be seasonality about turbulence, where it is predictable and you can anticipate its arrival. However, it could be spontaneous, which requires the leader to institute earlier warning systems or scenario training to develop the proper mindset and skills so they and their people can withstand the storm. How you adapt and adopt to turbulence is critical in your success and the success of your business, organization or team.
It is truly a challenge to lead in a turbulent season, so lay the foundation to improve your agility, coordination, foot speed and balance.
Leadership in a turbulent season
https://youtu.be/wF83l79p3Is
Youtube: Narration
It is a challenge to lead
In a turbulent season,
But leadership must execute
When danger looms
As contaminated fruit;
When prophets of doom
As tainted mushrooms
Try to poison the multitude
With their way of thinking,
That the ship is in trouble
On the verge of sinking.
It is a challenge to lead
In a turbulent season,
To watch competitors
Who were invincible
Resort to measures
Unscrupulous, unprincipled.
While gasping for survival
And self-preservation,
They slander, spread fiction
And false allegations.
It is a challenge to lead
In a turbulent season,
When victory is uncertain
And champions lose their clout;
The naive get nervous
When the outcome is in doubt;
When the bench is untested
And the team on the floor
Is weary from the pressure
Of being accountable
For the score.
It is a challenge to lead
In a turbulent season,
When markets are immune
To traditional thought;
When experts are puzzled
Because logic and reason
Fail to explain why
The climate has changed,
And theorems taught
Yesterday are obsolete.
It is a challenge to lead
In a turbulent season,
But leaders earn their medals
At the height of the storm,
Not when the seas are tranquil.
They must use courage
And character to form
The passionate will to speak
Of winning with novel skills,
To power bold visions
And imaginative techniques.
Copyright ã 2004 Orlando Ceaser
Personal Reflections
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What are the greatest challenges facing you today?
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What are challenges that are on the horizon?
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What is the greatest competition affecting your industry?
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Challenges can also relate to people. Who is working on your last nerve and what will you do today to clarify your expectations and ensure they are on the right path to smooth sailing?
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Give an example of how you clarified expectations that calmed someone in a crisis.
Leadership for the Soul 