Some would say what defines a crisis is how we react to it, both from a tactical and emotional standpoint. Today’s healthcare crisis, which has caused an economic one, offers the most equipped leaders an opportunity to rise to the occasion, elevate their capabilities and pivot. The fear, sadness and unknowns of our current reality lend us to not just shelter in place, but shelter from our individual realities. The “what if” scenarios begin playing out, and it’s fight or flight. I’ve read articles about the last pandemic, the Great Depression, our last recession and about every economic recovery model I can manage to find online. Our leaders have historic decisions to make in the coming days. When do we cut the caution tape? When is it safe to begin healing the backbone of our country - a thriving economy, the American dream? At the end of this, will we be the miracle or be looking for one?
Over the years, people have defined leadership in different ways. Today, I would personally describe leadership as the ability to see far enough into the future in your own way, knowing every pivot matters and bringing people alongside you, making them a part of the bigger plan too. You may define it differently, but that’s okay. I’m not sure there is a right or wrong answer, just one that defines you in this moment.
Defining moments don’t have to be life or death. However, during a pandemic, it’s hard not to turn on the television and see that life and death is literal. People are dying from the virus; business are dying from the impacts; and the survival is hard to celebrate because guilt takes over. I believe it’s okay not to feel guilty, to lead beyond others and take risks. In these historical and defining moments, we have an opportunity to succeed and bring others along. If that is the case, could you be the miracle you need?
I found this story of one miracle, literally.
Richard Hellman introduced a gooey spread at his deli in the early 1900s. Americans became mayonnaise lovers. But thirty years later, during the Great Depression, people could no longer afford the condiment, which is made out of pricey ingredients: eggs, oil, and vinegar. Kraft, whose mayo sales were slipping, devised new emulsifying technology in order to create a mayo alternative. The machine made it possible to whip cheaper ingredients from high fructose corn syrup and water into oil, creating Miracle Whip - the fluffy, creamy, sort of mayo-like spread. (ondeck.com)
So, the Great Depression brought us Miracle Whip. It makes me wonder what this pandemic will bring us. Some are predicting tighter restrictions, fear, a turn to spending more on healthcare. I’m predicting so much more. I’m predicting leaders who are already pivoting, but we can’t see what they’re doing just yet. I’m predicting greatness, miracles and defining moments.
For my small business, I’m pivoting too. Every day, new material is there for us to read, uncover and help our clients (you) through different opportunities and scenarios. I believe that at this time, my pivotal moment is recognizing where we belong. Right now, the RJL team seems best fit standing by you as you become the Miracle, which will perhaps be our defining moment. I hope so.
With gratitude for your trust,
Rachel J. Leslie
