Leading through all Seasons: When "Busy" Isn't the Problem

Last week, I wrote about ditching "busy" from our vocabulary. The response was overwhelming—so many of you shared messages and emails of how changing your language helped shift your mindset.

But this week, I want to take it deeper. Because sometimes, the problem isn’t "busy." The problem is life itself—hitting hard, fast, and without a playbook.

There are moments in life where our carefully planned schedules don’t matter. A time when work priorities get benched because someone in our world—family, a friend, a colleague—is in the fight of their life.

And when that moment comes? You don’t get a warm-up.

The Leadership Game You Don’t Train For

love a good strategy session. I love setting goals. I even love colour-coded planning tools (don’t judge).

But life doesn’t always give you time to prepare. You don’t always get to be “ready.”

This isn’t like gearing up for a big client pitch or a championship game. There’s no pep talk, no instant replay to get it right next time. It’s game time before you even have your laces tied.

And when that moment comes, it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about stepping up, even when you don’t feel ready.

Sheryl Sandberg’s Option B speaks to this—how we navigate work, leadership, and life when things don’t go as planned. Because, spoiler alert: they often don’t.

So what do we do? We lead anyway. But we do it differently.

How to Lead When Someone Needs You Most

?? 1. Just Show Up (Even if You Don’t Know What to Say)

Forget the perfect words. Forget trying to fix things. Sometimes, the most powerful leadership move is simply being there.

Think of it like basketball—you don’t have to hit the game-winning shot. Sometimes, your job is to set the screen, grab the rebound, or just be on the court.

A colleague, a friend, a parent, a child—when they are in crisis, they won’t remember what you said. They’ll remember that you were there.

?? 2. Drop the Non-Essentials (The Peloton Principle)

If you’ve ever watched professional cycling, you know about the domestiques—the riders who sacrifice their own pace to help their team leader go further, faster.

In high-stakes moments, your role shifts. You drop the non-essentials, pull alongside, and make sure the people who need you most don’t have to pedal alone.

?? 3. Play Offense, Not Just Defense

When someone is struggling, they’re often overwhelmed. Decisions feel impossible.

• Bad support: “Let me know if you need anything.” (Too vague.)
• Good support: “I’ve got dinner sorted.” “I’ll take care of that meeting.” “I’m picking up your kids—no debate.”

Call the play, don’t wait on the sideline.

?? 4. Focus on Small Wins (and Just Keep Moving)

Brené Brown reminds us: Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s courage. When people are struggling, they don’t always need words. They need space.

It’s okay to sit in silence. To acknowledge, “This is hard.” To let them feel seen, without rushing to fill the gaps.

And if all else fails? A well-timed coffee delivery can be an MVP move.

The Truth About Leadership in Life’s Toughest Moments

We talk a lot about resilience, but true leadership isn’t just pushing through—it’s knowing when to pause, adjust, and be fully present for others.

So this week, my challenge to you (and to myself): ?? Lead with presence. Who in your life needs you to slow down and show up? ?? Lead with patience. Some things can wait—people can’t. ?? Lead with action. Not just words, but practical, tangible support.

And remember: You don’t have to be the star player—you just have to be on the court. Coffee, deep breaths, and a little dark humor never hurt either.

?? Who has shown up for you in a time of need? How did it make a difference? Drop your thoughts below.

#ElevateYourLeadership #Resilience #ShowUp #SupportMatters #BrenéBrown #SherylSandberg #ToughLove #GameTime