Check Your Posture

 Are You Standing Up, or Sitting Down?

Leaders stand up, rise to the occasion and lift others up. A leader, while IN the crowd is not OF the crowd. They are connected with the people, but rise above the circumstances. It shows everyone they are in charge and leading. Roddy Galbraith says, “Those who rise to the top are those who can stand up and speak well.”

We tend to favor those who stand up and speak up into people’s lives and wants. We like people who speak of the hope in times of trouble. Winston Churchill faced over 57 versions of 9-11 in the Battle of Britain in WWII. Each morning he would go out, walk among the people, observe the rubble and give the famous two-finger “V” for victory. He told the people that the Nazis could bomb them all they want, but the British would never surrender. It gave immense encouragement to the people of England.

Are you standing up, sitting down, or cowering in the corner?  It’s a matter of “crisis LEADERSHIP vs. crisis MANAGEMENT.” A crisis can’t be managed incrementally, but you can lead others out of your experiences in PAST crises. Share those with your key influencers in the business, then encourage them to share those with everyone they come into contact. People need encouragement now more than ever. Have online encouraging and listening meetings… like this one!  Embrace technology. Many people are working from home, so you have a captive audience if you deliver value and put people first!

Can you stand up, speak clearly and calmly to others in this crisis? The proverb says, “A gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Can you stand up when everyone else is sitting down? Your people will look UP to you for leadership more if your posture says you are in charge.