Leadership Between the Lines

I've started this post four separate times this week. Each time I've started, I've gotten distracted. A stressed text from a loved one. Increasing smoke and decreasing air quality from the fires throughout California. Notice of a medical emergency. A news alert on my phone, (almost always followed by getting sucked into social media)...

Whatever the case (and this seems to happen more and more frequently), my previously energized and focused brain, after any of these (or a combination of the above) -- shuts down. And all that "ready to engage, ready to write, ready to whatever, zoom zoom!!" energy goes... kaput. 

We are in a new era of leadership. Many of us thought we were in a new era in the last few years (I guess we were), and oh... wow... little did we know. What is required NOW as we navigate the present moment and lead into the future, is similar in some ways (after all, we're talking about human beings, human dynamics, connection, and leadership), and also will require more -- and in new ways.

For some, right now is a moment to pause, take a breath, and intentionally consider what they want to put back into their life to be "busy" with. For others, right now is a moment of sheer overwhelm and it feels impossible to even get a moment of peace to themselves, let alone think about how busy they are. For some, anxiety, fear, overwhelm, and helplessness are at an all-time high. For some, gratitude and hope for the gifts of learning, unrest, change, and possibility are at an inspiring level. For some, it's a combination of all of the above -- a little bit or a lot of each. Or something entirely different. This moment is highly personal to each of us; what we're going through, how we're navigating it, what we're learning (and unlearning), what we're challenged by, and how we're loving and leading through it. 

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are staying safe, sound, being kind, and taking care of yourself and those you love and lead. This moment in time is surreal and I'm grateful to be in it with you. I am clear that we will get through this together and I, like you, am sitting with the experience, lessons, and quiet opportunities for becoming in it all.

We wanted to let you know about a few resources we've made available to you to help you navigate, and be more intentional with, all that's going on in the world right now. Most of them are gifted to lean into this moment, some are for fee with parts of proceeds going to support food security. All of them are offered with intention and heart. I hope you will find something here that serves you. (If you need/desire something different, or feel we can be helpful in other ways to you right now, please contact us here.)

And please help us pay this forward by sharing this post with your friends, family, and colleagues as you see fit. (Note: New video coming soon, we're updating as we go! /AC 7/20)

This information was shared in our bi-weekly contagious leadership conversation broadcast (which is subscription-based). Given what we’re all going through right now, we wanted to provide this information on a bigger scale. Stay well. Stay present. Wash your hands. Breathe.

My team and I are devoted to helping things go better, showing up well with you, bending and flexing to be as useful as possible, staying well and working our IEP ourselves, and serving you in this time in new ways as needed.

Here's how...