THE ABC’s OF LEADERSHIP

Adversity

The dictionary defines adversity as a state of hardship or affliction, misfortune or a calamitous event. Adversity is something that all leaders must face from time-to-time in their lives and in their leadership tenure. Adversity is not popular and certainly not always welcome when it arrives in the life of a leader. However, it is absolutely necessary in the development and growth of a leader.

Adversity calls forth and summons the best gifts, the highest talents, and the deepest inner strength that a leader possesses. Of all the things that test a leader, nothing tests his commitment, his resolve, and his tenacity like adversity does. The manner in which a leader deals with adversity will determine the depth and effectiveness of his leadership. Some leaders collapse under the weight of pressure and adversity while other leaders thrive under pressure and adversity. This beckons the question, is this ability to handle adversity a trait that a leader is born with, or can it be taught? And if it can be taught, is there a formula to improving one’s skill of handling adversity? It is both. It is a trait that certain leaders are born with, whereas others are not. However, it can be taught and developed over time.

Overcoming adversity and dealing with setbacks is one of the most important skills a leader can develop. When the organization faces adversity, the leader must skillfully chart the organization through the rough waters. In adverse times, everyone looks to the leader for strength, encouragement and guidance. They look for inspirational leadership. This puts a tremendous burden on the leader in that he doesn’t have the luxury of showing weakness, discouragement or loss of focus. During adversity, a leader must become a dealer in hope to those following him. This does not mean that you ignore the reality of the situation. It means that your attitude is the one that illustrates the ability to overcome and be better after the adversity is over.

While facing adversity, a leader must look for keys to assist him through the process. The following steps will help you handle adversity and come out on top:

• See it as temporary and not as permanent. When facing adversity, it seems as if it will never end, but remember the old saying, “This too shall pass.” Sunshine always follows the rain.
• Approach it as a challenge. When facing a challenge in sports, the coach tells his team it is gut-check time. This means it’s time to look deep within and find the resolve to overcome the adversity. It’s when the leader summons his inner strength. Adversity is a leader’s gut-check time.
• Focus on what you can control. The things that you can control are your emotions, your attitude and your focus. In adversity, it is more important what happens in you than what happens around you.
• Respond with positive action. Don’t sit and wait for something to happen that might change things, but rather make something happen to change things. In other words be proactive rather than reactive.
• Call in the troops. Don’t face it alone. Bring in key friends, associates and relationships that will be a source of strength and will give you sound wisdom. “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17).
• Force yourself to laugh. The Bible teaches that laughter works like good medicine. “A joyful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22). Even when things are at their darkest and most bleak, laughter can ease the pain.
• Determine to win. No matter how adverse things may appear, you must keep the attitude that you are going to come out on top. Losing is not an option nor must it be a part of your vocabulary. Don’t let adversity take you out.

When facing adversity, it is important to do what I call keeping it in a cage. By this, I mean don’t let the adversity become all encompassing. Don’t let it consume every area of your life. Keep it confined. If it is a work-related issue, don’t take it home with you. Many leaders make the mistake of letting company issues take total control of every area of their lives and negatively affect other things such as spending time with their families. By keeping the adversity compartmentalized, it is easier to focus on solutions to situations while maintaining peace in other areas of your life.

Adversity is a time of growth for a leader. There are lessons that a leader learns in times of adversity that he would not have learned otherwise. This is one of the positive benefits of adversity. Many successful leaders often credit an earlier adverse situation as the reason for their success. A leader learns who he is and what he is made of in adversity. Without adversity there could be no greatness. When athletes win championships, whether in team or individual sports, they often talk about the adversity they faced and had to overcome on the way to becoming the champion.

Adversity in leadership cannot be avoided; it is not a matter of if, but rather when and how often it will occur. It will help you or harm you. It will make you or break you. It will either be your gold mine or your graveyard. Leaders should brace themselves for adversity and the pressure that comes with it. How should leaders respond to adversity? They should respond by letting it shape their character and fuel their greatness.