It is amazing how our collective world’s can change so quickly. A few
weeks ago, we were preoccupied about where we should take our summer vacations
and now, we are debating the merits of single vs double ply toilet paper! In
the midst of this coronavirus outbreak, it has me thinking out loud about who
the true heroes of our times are!
If you have ever read this blog, you know I can be pretty tough on the
cult of personality and the misguided obsession with celebrity worship.
Granted, these folks have worked hard, sacrificed much, and have feelings just
like the rest of us but that does not make their viewpoints and opinions any
more or less valid than yours. In fact, actor Ryan Reynolds posted a great
video mocking the self-important posturing of celebrities and “influencers” during
times of crises - https://twitter.com/i/status/1242237138239881216. The point is that the people we should
be looking toward in helping us through this situation are the people who
actually make things, fix things, teach things, heal things, create things, and
help things!
I recently read that during the height of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
on PBS in the turbulent 60’s and 70s that parents would ask Fred Rogers how to
help young children process the difficult news and events of the day. Fred
Rogers in his under-appreciated wisdom would respond that when the news or
situations were bad, “look for the helpers!” In short, he was asking us to
identify with the problem-solvers and the difference makers. The people who
were there on the ground making things better. Essentially, don’t look for the
talking head or pundit, look for the unlikely hero!
These days you will not have to look far to find them, in fact you are
better off looking closer to you versus Hollywood or Washington, DC. It is
amazing to me how the unlikely heroes of
the day are NOW:
- Local Grocers and Cashiers
- Fast Food Franchisers
- Local Restaurants keeping their kitchens open
- Warehouse workers
- Long-haul truck drivers
- US Postal Service and other delivery services
- Farmers and food processors
- Manufacturers
- On-line course developers and instructors
- Assisted Living caretakers
- Of course, health care providers and first responders
- And so many more.
I would also include you on this list of unlikely heroes. I have
heard story after story from my friends and neighbors of looking out for each
other, helping the elderly in check-out lanes, buying and donating food, or supporting
a local business. I bet you are doing the same! I bet you are a hero right now
if you were not already! Just being that encourager and voice of calm for your
family, friends, direct reports, and colleagues makes a lot of things
better.
I recently had the opportunity to hear leadership expert and author John
Maxwell talk about Leading in Crises. John points out that in time of emergency
and difficulty, that the following is true.
- Crises are more common than we think and this will not be the last one we will deal with
- Crises can distract us from what is most important
- A crises will reveal what is inside of us
- Crises requires we become very nimble and adaptable
- A time of crises will reveal when the real leaders show up versus just those with titles or positions
Trust me, I know this is a difficult time for many people. John
encourages us to have as much of a positive mindset as possible because what
we focus on - expands! If you would like to view all three lessons from
John on Turning Adversity into Advantage, feel free to access that content
here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/JohnCMaxwell/videos/
It is my great hope and wish that you and yours are safe, secure, and
using this time to reconnect to what matters most. I encourage you to both give
and receive support. Make sure to take care of yourself because you cannot give
what you do not have!
As always if I can help you and
the people you associate with Get Better, Be Ready and LEAD OUT LOUD, I invite
you to contact me.
Yours in leadership,
Bill Faulkner
Independent Coach, Speaker,
and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team TM\
Certified DISC Profile System
Trainer and Consultant
Email
= bill@outloudinc.com
For more information on the
John Maxwell Team, please visit
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