In this monthly column, I often write about my experiences as leader – how I came into leadership, how I’m challenging myself to

grow as a leader

and how I am training future leaders at Roofing & More. Right now, more than ever, my abilities as a leader of a

home improvement company

– along with other leaders across every industry – are being tested by new challenges. 

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I believe this quote from Wayne W. Dwyer applies to leadership well:

“When you squeeze an orange, you'll always get orange juice to come out. What comes out is what’s inside. The same logic applies to you: when someone squeezes you, puts pressure on you, or says something unflattering or critical, and out of you comes anger, hatred, bitterness, tension, depression or anxiety, that is what’s inside. If love and joy are what you want to give and receive, change your life by changing what’s inside.”

When Times Are Tough

When we are “squeezed” by a situation, what’s on the inside comes out. The outbreak of COVID-19 has led me to look within myself, and even further within our organization. When times are good, or even average, it is fairly easy to apply my knowledge from over the years and grow new leaders. When times are tough, it becomes a challenge as new problems arise and I must try to maintain a healthy

work-life balance

for both myself and my employees.

Of course, we are constantly searching for glitches within our processes and learning from them to improve our company and customer experience. However, because of the virus and how it is affecting businesses, we are beginning to notice issues that would have never been found during a normal week. To us, this is a positive outcome from a negative situation. We will now be able to serve our customers in ways we would have never considered before.

We Will Get Through This

Working hard and improvement isn’t my only focus, though. Leaders, myself included, should also remember to take care of ourselves. Personally, I have been taking the time to listen to podcasts and music I enjoy, exercise and continue to eat nourishing food to feel good when I do have to face those difficult tasks at work, and I recommend others do the same. We will get through this and emerge as better people and communities.