In 2008, we went through the credit crisis in the U.S. Markets failed all around the world. People lost their homes, their life savings, businesses failed at record levels, and much more.
I remember that year well. It was also the year I got divorced. My income fell by 40%. Business was difficult to say the least.
As a leader that had numerous people relying on me, I had some very difficult decisions to make.
Should I keep the lifestyle I had become accustomed to, the nice car, dinners out, travel, etc.?
Or should I keep my business running against all odds, ensuring a livelihood for the people that worked with me?
The decision was simple.
I got rid of everything that didn’t matter. Stripped down my budget to bare bones. I bought a used Prius, downsized any non-mandatory expense and funneled it all into paying salaries and keeping the business afloat. It was a buckling-down of epic proportions.
When we eventually came out of those dark days, not only was I a stronger person, but the people that relied on me knew that I would always be there for them. They trusted that we would do what was best for our clients and all the families that rely on us no matter what.
Leadership is about doing what must be done, even when you don’t want to. Even when the decisions are hard. That’s when it matters most, when your true colors come out.
As we look at the devastation in California over the last weeks and all the tragic stories of loss, I hope that as a society we all lean in and embrace the opportunities. Help where we can. Encourage leadership to do the right thing and make the right decisions. Be good neighbors and human beings.
Life can be difficult. Circumstances can be challenging.
But it’s how we choose to respond that leads to the best outcome, and we all have a choice.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts to all affected by the fires in this difficult time.
-J.D.