This week, like many of you, I found myself in an unexpected storm—both literally and figuratively. As an epic winter storm swept through the South, it brought with it a cascade of challenges: power outages, loss of heat, disrupted internet, and a sudden, stark absence of modern conveniences. It was a stark reminder that even the most carefully laid plans can be upended in an instant.
It’s in these moments that I found myself reflecting on a quote that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of true leadership, especially for growth-minded teams: “The art of living is not in expecting the storm to pass, but in learning to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Greene
As leaders, we often strive to create calm, stable environments for our teams. We forecast, we plan, we mitigate. But what happens when the forecast is wrong, the plan is irrelevant, and mitigation feels impossible? This quote reminds us that leadership isn’t just about navigating the storm; it’s about cultivating a mindset that allows us to find rhythm and even joy amidst the chaos. It’s about empowering ourselves and our teams to adapt, innovate, and discover new strengths when the old ways are no longer an option.
Finding Your Rhythm When the Rain Falls:
Here are five ways to “dance in the rain” as a leader, even when the storm seems overwhelming:
- Embrace Radical Flexibility: My personal experience during the storm taught me the absolute necessity of flexibility. With no power or internet, scheduled meetings vanished, and planned deliverables became secondary. Instead of panicking, I embraced the quiet. It forced a re-evaluation of priorities and a focus on what truly mattered. For leaders, this means being willing to pivot strategies, adjust deadlines, and empower your team to find alternative solutions when traditional methods are unfeasible. It’s about letting go of rigid expectations and trusting your team’s ingenuity.
- Model Calm & Resilience: When the world outside your window is swirling with snow and uncertainty, a leader’s demeanor becomes a beacon. While I certainly felt the frustration of cold and inconvenience, I consciously chose to focus on the positive aspects: the unexpected quiet, the warmth of extra blankets, and the chance to simply be. Your team will mirror your attitude. If you panic, they will too. If you demonstrate calm resilience and a willingness to find solutions, you empower them to do the same.
- Foster Creative Problem-Solving: With no electricity, simple tasks became complex. How do you cook? How do you stay warm? How do you communicate? This forced an incredible burst of creativity – from discovering new ways to heat food to conserving battery life for essential communication. In a business context, “dancing in the rain” means encouraging your team to think outside the box when established processes fail. It’s an opportunity to challenge assumptions and innovate, perhaps leading to breakthroughs you wouldn’t have discovered otherwise.
- Prioritize Connection (Even Without Connectivity): During the storm, the absence of digital distractions led to more genuine human connection. Checking on neighbors, sharing resources, and simple conversations became paramount. As a leader, even when digital tools are down, actively seek ways to connect with your team. A quick phone call (if possible), a text, or even a physically distanced check-in can reinforce that you’re all in this together. These moments build trust and strengthen relationships that will outlast any storm.
- Reframe Challenges as Opportunities for Growth: It would be easy to view the recent storm as solely a negative experience. However, I’ve chosen to reframe it. It was an involuntary digital detox, a forced slowdown, and an unexpected lesson in self-reliance and community. For growth-minded teams, every challenge, every “storm,” is an opportunity. It’s a chance to learn, to adapt, to strengthen bonds, and to emerge more resilient and innovative than before. It’s about finding the silver lining, not as a platitude, but as a genuine pathway to progress.
A Personal Reflection: The Quiet Harmony of the Storm
The past week truly put Vivian Greene’s words into practice for me. Stripped of the usual modern conveniences—no humming refrigerator, no glowing screens, no constant notifications—a strange sense of quiet harmony settled in. It was cold, yes, but there was also the warmth of a good book by candlelight, the comforting glow of a crackling fire (when we managed to get one going), and the genuine connection with family without the distractions of the outside world. I found solace in the simplicity, gratitude for basic necessities, and a profound appreciation for the resilience of community. It reminded me that even when circumstances are challenging, there is always an opportunity to slow down, to appreciate what truly matters, and to find a positive perspective. The “rain” taught me a new dance, one of patience, presence, and perspective.
Ready for the Next Downpour
Leading through uncertainty isn’t about avoiding the storms; it’s about equipping ourselves and our teams with the mindset and tools to not just survive them, but to thrive within them. It’s about seeing every challenge as an opportunity to learn a new step, to find a new rhythm, and to ultimately emerge stronger, more adaptable, and more connected.
To help you and your team continue to “dance in the rain,” I highly recommend “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth. This book delves into the importance of passion and sustained effort toward achieving long-term goals, particularly when faced with obstacles. It’s a powerful reminder that talent isn’t the only predictor of success; instead, it’s the ability to push through difficulties with resilience and determination—the very essence of dancing in the rain.
Let’s keep learning, keep adapting, and keep dancing, no matter what weather comes our way.