The Lighthouse Keeper's Dilemma: Leading Through the Storm

This is a real thread on Reddit, where Spencer, a Canadian modern-day Lighthouse Keeper, answers questions about his needs, solitude and routine.

"I am a modern-day Lighthouse Keeper. My name is Spence, and I am a lighthouse keeper. I live on an island 365 days a year and watch the light and the waves. It is a very unique profession and automation has taken this job away from many in the past all over the world. Maybe you have some questions for me?"

Reddit

A lighthouse keeper devotes his life to a singular task: maintaining the light that guides ships safely to shore. As storms rage and the seas become turbulent, his focus is to shine a light where there's darkness (this is very Jungian, isn't it?).

This simple vision is one of my metaphors for leadership, particularly in times of crisis.

Just as the lighthouse keeper's diligence offers a chance of survival to those at sea, a leader's focus and resolve are critical when navigating periods of uncertainty and adversity.

Much has been written about Lighthouses and keepers with analogies with business. Here is mine.

Focused Leadership

In the philosophy of Stoicism, thinkers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius continuously emphasise the power of focus and inner tranquillity.

While external events are beyond our control, our reactions to these events are within our control.

Circumstances don't make the man; they only reveal him to himself.

— Epictetus

Imagine this principle during crises.

When faced with challenges—be they economic downturns, internal conflicts, personal challenges, or collective misbehaviour—a leader’s ability to maintain composure, focus and guidance becomes the light force for anyone caught up in the storm.

Like the lighthouse keeper, who remains undistracted by the storm and focuses solely on keeping the light burning, influential leaders must focus on what truly matters.

Guiding Through Uncertainty

Simone de Beauvoir argued that "one's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others."

One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others.

When your actions and choices shape the roles and functions of those around you, what you do as a leader truly matters. Your power matters.

There's debate about transitioning between leadrshiop styles from democratic to autoritarian during criosis. It's on the leader to decide and have the willingness to engage with diverse perspectives, including those that may dissent when it's appropriate.

In the normal scenario, If you don't engage with original thinkers, you risk people disagreeing but not voicing their dissent. Silence can be difficult during a crisis.

Going back to the Reddit thread from our (now friend) Spencer and his videos on YouTube, it's easy to understand and feel his calmness - not too hard to build a perspective of the importance of calm in hard times.

As professionals we all have our difficult times. In my career, I faced crises of trust, crisis of perception, and crisis of behaviour. As a leader, what you don't say and do not do is almost as important to what you say and do.

Calm and communication in the face of the storm is not simply about personal serenity; it is about projecting that calm and confidence to others. The demeanour of a leader has a profound impact on the team, particularly during times of crisis. When anxiety and fear are pervasive, a leader who remains composed becomes a stabilising force, providing the necessary reassurance and direction.

People tend to have one of three styles of interaction:

1) takers, who primarily seek to serve their own interests;

2) matchers, who strive for equitable exchanges; and

3) givers, who are motivated by a desire to help others.

In crisis situations, the giver’s approach becomes particularly valuable. A leader who exemplifies this giving attitude focuses not on personal gain but on how they can support their team. This selflessness not only builds loyalty but also frames resilience and collectivism.

I know it's corny and overused, but truly, as leaders, we are called to be the steady hand that holds the light, ensuring that those we lead can navigate through the storm and find a safe harbour.

Its not about the traits you have as a leader its what you decide to do with them.