Not Perfect, But Present: A Leadership Story

Have you ever been in a situation where the best laid plans

for a high-pressure situation fell apart at the absolute worst time possible?

While you were in the midst of several other life crises?

Me too.

Today.

My nervous system was on fire for most of the day while I waited for a phone call.

And when a text came instead, not just any text, but one that said the exact opposite of what I’d hoped. My blood pressure spiked.

And honestly, I felt defeated and didn't know what to do.

But then I remembered:

I’ve been in this place before.

And I said to myself, out loud:

•  One thing at a time.

•  Everything happens for a reason.

•  Everything works out the way it’s supposed to.

•  And I have everything I need inside of me to help us solve this problem.

  
  

That doesn’t mean I have all the answers.

It means I have the ability to think creatively, proactively, and collaboratively.

It means I can learn, grow, and adapt as I need to.

It means I don’t have to know everything to lead,

just enough to take the next step.

So I did.

I spoke to a trusted advisor,

my sister, who has a lifetime of organizational leadership experience.

I sent a few emails asking for guidance.

And I gave myself permission to not solve everything today.

And to not do it alone.

Because here’s what I know:

•  When I take one thing at a time, I stay grounded.

•  When I trust that everything happens for a reason, I stay open.

•  When I believe everything works out the way it’s supposed to, I stay steady.

•  And when I remember I already have what I need inside me, I stay powerful.

Not perfect.

But present.

Not all-knowing.

But wise enough to begin.

That’s the work of leadership: not knowing everything, but showing up anyway.