Leadership in Uncertain Times

These have been a rough few weeks dealing with our changing world.  There have always been dangers to contend with, but this seems so much bigger.  The world is fighting the same viral enemy and in order to prevail we have to have strong leaders.  Not just world leaders but thought leaders that give us tools to deal with fear and negativity.  With this in mind I listened today to John Maxwell’s webinar called, “Leadership in Tough Times”.  John is one of my favorite speakers on leadership and he shared some leadership traits that we can all embrace to help us stay strong and positive when things around us feel chaotic. 

Leaders make courageous decisions.  Leaders do not have to know the correct answers, but they need to make strong decisions in spite of the uncertainty. At our veterinary hospital we are trying to balance serving the pet owning public, keeping pet’s healthy, and caring for our team.  There is so much uncertainty in that.    Andy Stanley said, “Uncertainty is not an indication of poor leadership.  Rather it indicates a need for leadership.  The nature of leadership demands that there always be an element of uncertainty.”   

Leaders value teamwork.  We see the evidence daily in the photos of doctors and nurses providing care, risking their own health to save others.  They ban together to provide the services that we all need to combat the enemy. They are truly leaders in every respect.  They remain optimistic and filled with compassion working together for a common goal.   We as their potential patients need to honor and respect them by remaining part of the team; staying as healthy as we can to allow them to do their work. 

Leaders give hope and trust in God.  We can all be leaders by spreading hope, prayers, and love to those around us.  Keep your distance but reach out to family, friends and neighbors and let them know that you care.  If they are in need, offer to help in any way that you can. John W. Gardner said, “The first and last task of a leader is to keep hope alive – the hope that we can finally find our way through to a better world – despite the day’s action, despite our own inertness and shallowness and wavering resolve.” 

So, thank you John Maxwell for sharing your wisdom, reinforcing my hope, and improving my attitude.  With all of us acting as leaders, there is nothing that we can not do. 

Dr. Julie Cappel