When do you really learn who you are as a leader in business?
Is it watching your financials tip into the “met my big number goal!” column of your spreadsheet?
Is it in the afterglow of a great talk when you hear the audience applause bouncing off the walls?
Is it in that time-stopping moment when your client has a big breakthrough and gets emotional?
Yes!
Those moments are so important to remind you that you are a badass who is capable of doing great things.
But other moments are just as critical.
You learn who you are as a leader when a client is extremely unsatisfied with your work and you have to make it right.
You learn who you are as a leader when cash flow is non-existent and you have no idea how you will get through this next phase of business.
You definitely learn who you are as a leader when that which you hold to be true and right is under vicious attack, and actively harming you and/or your community.
Your body of work
A couple of months ago I wrote a detailed post about how to reset the vision for your body of work. By choice or by force, our business goals are shaped by external and internal forces that require us to make decisions about what is the best thing to create in a given period of time.
Outside forces can force a quick about-step in our plans (see the pandemic and the mass layoffs and funding shifts these past 30 days).
Each time your body of work plans shift, you need to ensure that your leadership behaviors are aligned with what it will take to bring it to life.
And you must connect deeply with your strength as a leader — remembering who you are and acting from a position of strength.
Your business leadership 5-point check up
The way you show up as a leader impacts not only your business but also your clients, team, well-being, and loved ones. Let’s explore the key behaviors needed in each of these areas to navigate stormy waters.
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Which behaviors does my business need from me?
Examples include:
Decisiveness with Flexibility – You need to make strong decisions, but also be open to adjusting them quickly as new information emerges.
Financial Focus – This is a time to both scrutinize expenses, conserve cash, as well as accelerate revenue growth to keep your business resilient.
Proactive Innovation – A changing environment requires new approaches. Look for creative ways to serve customers, improve efficiency, or pivot your offerings.
Courageous Communication – Speak transparently with your clients, team and partners about challenges and opportunities, building trust through honesty.
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Which behaviors do my clients need from me?
Examples include:
Empathy and Understanding – Acknowledge their fears and frustrations. Listen deeply to their needs and concerns.
Practical Solutions – Offer services or products that directly address their changing circumstances, whether through affordability, accessibility, or innovation.
Consistent Presence – In uncertain times, clients need to know you are still there. Show up regularly through communication, content, and engagement.
Advocacy and Support – Champion their success. Provide extra guidance, education, or connections that help them thrive despite external challenges.
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Which behaviors does my team need from me?
Examples:
Emotional Stability – Your team will take cues from you. If you stay calm and focused, they will feel more secure.
Clear Expectations and Priorities – When resources are tight and stress is high, make sure your team knows what matters most.
Psychological Safety – Create an environment where team members feel safe to voice concerns, suggest ideas, and ask for help.
Growth-Oriented Leadership – Even in tough times, invest in your team’s development. Show them that they have a future in the business.
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Which behaviors do my health and well-being need from me?
Examples:
Boundaries Around Stressors – Limit exposure to overwhelming news and negative influences. Protect your mental space.
Consistent Recovery Practices – Prioritize sleep, nutrition, movement, and mindfulness to maintain energy and clarity.
Connection and Support – Surround yourself with mentors, peers, or a coach who can help you process challenges and stay grounded.
Time for Reflection – Step back regularly to assess how you are handling stress and where adjustments are needed
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Which behaviors do my loved ones need from me?
Examples:
Quality Presence Over Quantity – Even if time is limited, be fully engaged when you are with them. Put away distractions and focus on connection.
Emotional Honesty with Reassurance – Share your concerns, but also provide reassurance that you will navigate through challenges together.
Shared Decision-Making – If changes are happening that impact your family, involve them in discussions and solutions.
Small Acts of Love and Kindness – A handwritten note, a favorite meal, or a moment of laughter can make a big difference in stressful times.
Leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with clarity, courage, and compassion. By adjusting your behaviors to meet the needs of your business, clients, team, well-being, and loved ones, you create stability in an unstable world.
Now is not the time to stand on the sidelines, nor is it a time when you need to shrink away from growth. Remember who you are, and lead with strategic purpose and ethical strength.
(If you want to read one of the best books on leadership I have ever read, our friend and client Vince Molinaro’s Leadership Contract is a wonderful guide for these times.)
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