When Things Don't Go Your Way

Dear Uncommon Leaders, 

I'm writing to you from Canada while visiting family. I hope you all are doing well, enjoying your summer and getting ready for a great week ahead. As always, be uncommon this week!

Your Sunday Nugget

This Week's Question:

How well do you respond when things don’t go your way?

This Week's Challenge: 

I’ve been on vacation this week and as we changed locations, the airlines lost our bags. Ugh! I’ve had it happen before but not with two, so most of what we packed is not with us. I know, I know … we should’ve carried on!

Anyway, I found myself getting frustrated with the situation and the airline’s response. I had to remind myself over and over again that much worse can happen and this is not the fault of the agent that I’m speaking with. My wife displayed very mature calmness and just went with the flow. I need to be more like her in these situations. 😬

One thing I do know is that as leaders, sometimes and maybe even more often than we’d like, things don’t quite go the way we’d like them to. The question is, how do we respond?  I remember sharing with my leaders that it is not when things go smoothly that your best leadership is required, but rather when things get off track. Isn't that what we are paid for... to get things back on track quickly and effectively?

So, your challenge this week is to be ready when something doesn’t go your way and respond with your best, not your worst.‍
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Oh, and I still don’t have my luggage. 🙃

This Week's Quote to Ponder:

“Most anyone can lead when things are going well, but real leadership is visible when challenges arise.”

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Until next week,

LET'S GO BE UNCOMMON!

W. Kevin Harrison

Founder and Executive Coach

Uncommon Influence

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