Leading from the Heart with Perspective

March 26, 2020

By Lorie Pope

During this time of unprecedented events, we all at times wonder “When will it end and get back to normal?”  Or go a step further after really thinking about it, and ask ourselves “What will be ‘the new normal’ for life?”  Because…yes, crisis brings change.  I heard a great quote yesterday from John Maxwell, “Crisis bumps us out of our comfort zone into the creative zone.”   At Nexus we are using this time of crisis to intentionally be creative in the following areas: 

• Show team members and clients we care – Over communicate during this time of isolation.  No one will complain. 
• Look at ways to make our processes better so it serves everyone well.
• Provide stability and security in culture through communication with clarity. 
• Be flexible with schedules, listen to concerns and forge ahead confidently.

We are all leaders…and in every circumstance there is opportunity for growth.  I asked in the last communication “Who needs to hear your voice today?”  There are many who need to hear that there is hope, and answers will come.  America is a great nation, we are known for our determination and persistence to find answers.  In WW2, the Americans were known for their ability to think on their feet, be flexible and favor quick, decisive action.  

In times of crisis, leaders need to do the same.  Reach out to others, give that message of hope, and help build momentum to find answers.  Albert Einstein said “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”  I’m not referring to just business opportunities, but also relationships with your families and friends.  Find ways to grow stronger together during this time, and also growth personally.  Some of my most precious childhood memories are from my folks sharing about ways the Great Depression shaped their lives, positive lessons and the determination their parents modeled “Make lemonade out of lemons.”  

My mom tells a story full of vivid pictures and emotion of their drought-stricken farm on the North Dakota prairie during the “Dirty 30s.”  One day, a sudden storm with baseball-size hail rolled through the area.  Windows broke in the farmhouse even though pillows had been held against the windows, the garden was flattened, any crops that had managed to grow were destroyed, and chickens and turkeys who failed to find shelter in time were killed by the hail.  After the storm passed, the family went outside and surveyed the devastation.  There was silence as they realized the extent of the damage and the far-reaching consequences of financial ruin…for yet another year. 

All of a sudden, Grandma Lydia declared through tears, “We will take that hail and make ice cream out of our cream with it. Let’s make lemonade out of lemons.”  Even though in order to survive they ended up having to live with relatives in Minnesota over that next winter because of the storm, there was still always the attitude “Let’s make lemonade out of lemons.”  Later things changed and farming became successful again. But my Mom never forgot that lesson…and passed it down to her children…who have passed it down to their children. It has become a pillar of hope and inspiration to me throughout the years.  And a great momentum builder to jump into action. 

1. Where do you need to make “lemonade out of lemons?”  Perspective of Opportunity
2. Where can you make “lemonade out of lemons?”  Perspective of Creativity
3. Who needs to hear your voice of hope and encouragement today?  Servant Leadership