"If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader." – Dolly Parton
 

I love this quote because it really makes me think about the people who have helped lead me down the right path in life. And when I think back to those people – the ones who encouraged me to be better, to go after my dreams, who showed me what leadership looked like – it was never really about what they specifically told me to do. It was more about how they showed up, listened, and set the example…

That’s how I was able to be a leader in my own life and career.

But you see, during the global crisis we are all facing right now, maintaining a sense of leadership can be tough, especially while quarantined. There are so many new shifts and unavoidable pivots happening right now that can make it hard to navigate life the way we used to.

But I believe that leadership actually has the ability to help us manage the times of uncertainty we are facing. So if you’re ready to power through uncertainty like a leader, I’ll show you how in just a few ways.

#1 Listen

Whether it’s your employees, work associates, family members, or friends, being the kind of person who others can lean on is a primary part of what it means to be a leader. And that starts with the ability to listen.

Listen to your team’s concerns.

Listen to your friend’s worries.

Listen to your family member’s frustrations.

Simply listening to others is paramount during times of uncertainty. The reason is that we are all experiencing so many different emotions right now, and you never know what someone else could be going through.

When you stop and listen to someone else, you are helping to take some of the weight they are carrying off their shoulders. And during this time of uncertainty, it can feel like we are carrying the weight of the world right now.

In a recent podcast, my dear friend and expert psychologist, Dr. Joan Rosenberg, and I talk about releasing unpleasant emotions. So feelings of loss, fear, and even grief can be present in many of our lives, but working to express and release them is how we grow and heal.

So allowing others to feel comfortable to express and release their emotions to you is a sign of leadership. Opening up your heart and your ears shows those around you that they don’t have to be afraid to lean into awareness because it can be used to foster substantial emotional strength, something all of us could use now more than ever.
 

#2 Demonstrate Calm

There are some realities happening right now that just can’t be avoided: we’re stuck inside, we can’t leave the house without covering our faces, we have to keep a safe social distance from others, and the list goes on. The life we are living right now is something completely new for everyone – something we’ve never seen before in this lifetime.

So as you can imagine, feelings of panic, worry, and especially uncertainty can start to surface. And unfortunately, the media also has a way of creating a sense of panic and uproar, making it easy for people to succumb to those feelings as well. But demonstrating a sense of calm is a powerful sign that you already are a leader.

Now more than ever, people are seeking some sort of resolve to their worries and concerns to keep stress and anxiety at bay. Especially in my teachings, I have found that demonstrating a sense of calm can help keep those around you calm as well.

A calm presence has the power to transform anyone’s mood, helping to put their mind and body at ease. Remaining calm through uncertainty gives you the unwavering ability to convey the powerful message of resilience. And that can happen through your energy alone. So when you are calm, those around you can’t help but feel calm as well.
 

#3 Lead By Example

A great leader is someone who is not afraid to be open and transparent. Someone who is self-aware and not afraid to share teachable moments. Someone not afraid to acknowledge their missteps. A great leader is someone who leads by example.

At the end of the day, we are all living through a global pandemic, and that’s scary – There’s no denying that. But now more than ever, we’ve got to focus on what action steps we are going to take to navigate through these challenging times.

When you lead by example, you are showing others that yes, life is happening all around me, but I’m not going to let unfortunate circumstances rule my life. Consistently maintaining positivity and encouraging others to do the same can have a huge impact on what’s happening in the world right now.

Not everything is going to be easy, but showing up every day with a positive attitude and the ability to see the silver lining in every situation is leadership. Letting others see that we are all doing the best we can to get on the other side of uncertainty creates the honest and authentic moments we need to feel like everything is going to be alright.

We are all in a place right now where we are not completely sure what’s next, in life, in our careers, in our businesses, and in the world. But seeing the value in leadership just might be what you need to recapture the inspiration to live your greatest life, despite this global crisis.

So I want to share something very special with you: a copy of my book, Never In Your Wildest Dreams. You’ll discover simple yet profound mind shifts to elevate you to become the leader of your own life. Again, the future may be uncertain, but when you read my book and start believing in your greatest potential, dealing with uncertainty will start to feel like a piece of cake. So grab your free copy of Never In Your Wildest Dreams and start living like a leader.