Show up as a Leader - Show up as a Human

The last few months have seen many inflection points around the world. As we face our "collective vulnerability" - Brene Brown, thanks for naming it - what stands out for me is how we show up when faced with adversity in these incredibly difficult times.

From ordinary folks doing extraordinary things to leaders sharing their vulnerability and delivering bad news face-to-face - by showing genuine emotion, putting people first and yet leaving us with a positive note offering what they can, they all inspire us and give us belief.

During the bushfires in Australia, around New Year's eve, a pair of pharmacists in Ulladulla, Tim Rudd and Jeff Soo, kept their pharmacy open to provide life-saving medication and supplies. Much of the town was closed - the roads were cut off and the power was shut down.  This made it difficult for stranded holidaymakers and isolated residents to get access to medical supplies.

At the pharmacy, as the power dropped on and off, Jeff & Tim kept serving customers.

"There was a time around 1 30 pm when the power went off and we continued serving the clients thinking the power would come back. It did come back but that lasted all of half hour - during the continuous power outages, we continued hand writing the bills and serving the clients and giving out emergency supplies".

When he couldn't continue work there anymore due to the power outages, Jeff worked alongside paramedics to transport medicines to the Ulladulla evacuation centre. And offered his home as a play to stay in case the evacuation centre could not accommodate everyone.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up - Regina Brett

Bartleby (The Economist, March 21, 2020) quotes from Shawn Engbrecht's book, Invisible Leadership, about "Embracing the suck" i.e., accepting the reality of where you are at a given moment.

A current example of this from the Corporate World in this Covid crisis, is expressed by Alan Sorenson where he shows up vulnerable, "tears away the band aid quickly" and displays authentic leadership - see the video here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2020/03/21/marriotts-ceo-demonstrates-truly-authentic-leadership-in-a-remarkably-emotional-video/amp/?fbclid=IwAR0S0GkXyS5bfanaP3w-O6TeP5Z-l_QEkxMzVkQ15trRqE9IZWxb2eKbMqk

Staff and customers alike need the reassurance that the company has the necessary resources and is doing all it can to survive the crisis - Jefferies Chief executive, Rich Handler and the President, Brian Friedman have stressed that "topmost on our minds is the safety of our employees and our clients" before adding that they have the funds to weather the storm.

In India, Chairman of Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra, has announced that he would donate 100% of salary to set up a fund, offered resorts as COVID-19 hospitals and said Mahindra Group will get its manufacturing units to make ventilators.

Some other firms may not have this luxury. But Silence and Inaction is not leadership. What we do in a transparent way builds credibility - how we show up as human sets the tone for everyone around us to respond with grace and courage.

Anyone can lead when the plan is working. The best lead when the plan falls apart. - Robin Sharma

Thanks, Donald Soo, for sharing about your brother and Bharat Avalani, for the Marriott article.