Leadership in Tough Times

Anyone can lead when the waters are calm. True leaders are defined when they can lead through a storm. Are people willing to step up and be leaders when it's not convenient for them, when there is no prize or recognition for their efforts? Are people willing to step up if they also must feel the pain? Good leaders do what is responsible because that is what is required. Hopefully, others follow suit and, if not, then their leadership ability is defined in the storm. Those who are team players may not get the convenience, the prize or the recognition in the short-term, but in the long-term, they demonstrated what it really takes to be a leader and sometimes that means sacrifice. Those who cannot sacrifice are short-term thinkers wanting immediate satisfaction as opposed to what truely defines a person's character in the long-term. Good leaders demonstrate selflessness and not selfishness. It is much easier to serve yourself instead of others, but good leaders prefer challenges.  Which are you?