It's Hard to Stay Sane When Everyone Else is Nuts

One of my favorite poems is by Shel Silverstein, “If the World Was Crazy.”

The third stanza goes like this:

If the world was crazy, you know what I'd do?

I'd walk on the ocean and swim in my shoe,

I'd fly through the ground and I'd skip through the air,

I'd run down the bathtub and bathe on the stair.

When I met somebody I'd say 'G'bye, Joe,'

And when I was leaving - then I'd say 'Hello.'

And the greatest of men would be silly and lazy

So I would be king... if the world was crazy.

I guess I should be looking for my crown and scepter because it’s days like these when I’m pretty sure the world has lost it.

Today is election day, and we all have the need, the duty, and the challenge to remain hopeful and optimistic against all odds. (And just to be clear, I wrote this last night, before any ballots were counted, so I have no idea who’s winning as you are reading this.)

The reality is that, in this dramatic moment as on every other regular day, we need to press on if things don’t go our way.

One thing that separates true leaders from everyone else is their ability to respond – but not react – when life throws a solid left hook.

As leaders, we must:

• Recognize the diversity in priorities, views, experiences, and opinions of our people, and acknowledge some level of validity in them all.
• Give space for people, including ourselves, who need time to process whatever is happening, both cognitively and emotionally.
• Put boundaries on how much space to hold for whatever is happening and the different opinions and responses (or reactions) they trigger in others.
• Find a way to guide everyone back to focusing on what unites us rather than divides us, even if that unifying force is simply, “because we have a job to do that is not about (politics or other point of division).”

It’s not easy… but it is necessary.

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And speaking of unity, here’s some exciting news:?

I recently had the pleasure of joining Stacey Grant and Mark Lubbrage on their podcast Gurus and Game Changers for a deep dive into everything related to “Executive Presence” and becoming more articulate.?

It’s packed with real-life tips for anyone looking to be heard more effectively, whether you’re leading a meeting, navigating a difficult conversation, or simply hoping to communicate better with loved ones.

The best part? Stacey and Mark made the conversation both insightful and a lot of fun! I hope you’ll enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed talking.

In this episode, you’ll discover:?

How to make people truly listen when you speak (no more being talked over!) The psychology behind why some voices command attention while others get ignored Simple tricks to boost your confidence before important conversations Ways to disagree respectfully while still getting your point across Techniques for speaking authentically in any situation - from family gatherings to job interviews

Catch the episode on YouTube, or find it on your favorite podcast platform like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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Another environment where many people feel like the world has gone crazy is in the job market, especially when they’re on the job hunt.?

Ironically, this feeling can be mutual!?

Often, hiring teams reviewing resumes or conducting interviews feel a bit baffled by what’s included – or omitted.?

For example, as we progress in our careers, especially climbing the executive ranks, our favorite success stories and proudest accomplishments sometimes lose their luster in the “what have you done for me (or anyone) lately?” workplace.

So, how can you stay current with what employers value most??

That’s why resume guru Robynn Storey of Storeyline Resumes (with a team of 80+ resume experts) and I will be hosting a LinkedIn Live event, “Are You Irrelevant? Top 10 Pitfalls to Avoid When Seeking an Executive Role.”

Click here to learn more and register for the event.

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Finally, on a more personal note, November is National Adoption Month, and there are nearly half a million children in foster care in the U.S., many of whom are eligible for adoption.?

Now if that’s not crazy, I don’t know what is.

Most of these kids are older – in middle or high school – and they’re the least likely ever to find a permanent home. Knowing how crucial a supportive network is for children, I urge everyone to check out the Adoption Center to learn about ways to support kids in foster care, even if adoption isn’t an option for you.

Every small gesture can make a big difference to these kids. If nothing else, take a look at the Adoption Center’s “Winter Wish List” through Amazon.?

It’s full of items that children in foster care have requested for Christmas, ranging from a Starbucks gift card to a pair of AirPods. Large or small, every “Yes!” lets a kid know they’ve been heard and that someone cares.

When things seem totally nuts, doing a small act of kindness for others (especially children!) helps recalibrate our minds and hearts.?

Is it crazy of me to hope that everyone reading this decides to buy even one little gift for a child in need??

Maybe… but I’m totally fine with that kind of crazy.