The true test of a leader is how they act when things don't go according to plan. I had a major role at my Toastmasters meeting this week. Bring the meeting materials to set up the space. But I was late..... and when people show up and I'm not there with the stuff, it's awkward and unprofessional. I learned that the true test of a leader, who in this case was our Toastmaster, is how they act when people don't show up.
It was challenging to get to the Toastmasters meeting on time this week because of the construction surrounding our building. Several other people were late to the meeting also. But our Toastmaster had ingeniously delegated the open sections of the agenda to present members and improvised without the materials by engaging members with creating origami cranes for the meeting theme. By the time I had arrived, the meeting was taking place without a step of hesitation. I quietly entered and found my seat among a sea of colorful paper birds. Wow. The meeting went smoothly and nobody even noticed there were challenges at the beginning.
Things don't always go according to plan but it's at these times when we are truly tested as leaders. Last week I arrived early to my speaking engagement for the United Way and was delighted to see folks already there and setting things up. While setting up my own computer, technical problems immediately ensued when my chromebook decided not to recognize the TV Monitor and transfer screens with the new HDMI cable I had just purchased. It just didn't work. The screen on my computer flickered, the TV flickered, then everything went blank. What am I going to do?
As I went outside back to my car to search for another cable, I began thinking how I could pull this presentation off without the powerpoint slide show. Frantically I found another cable, returned to the room, plugged it in and IT WORKED! But that was only the beginning. We had no Internet. How was I suppose to show them the videos I had selected in SPECIFIC preparation for this event? Someone in the room had a hot spot and I was able to connect to their wi-fi and it worked perfectly!
People aren't going to show up, materials won't be available, and no you can't get a reliable cell phone signal in this room let alone internet. Here are 3 lessons I have learned from confronting the unexpected situation and working with what you have.
1) Let go of the idea of perfection. Rather, embrace your own imperfections and opportunities life gives us to think, learn , and grow.
2) Don't take yourself too seriously. It is really easy for me to make fun of myself and make light of situations that are less than perfect.
3) Have a Plan B. Whether it's another cable in your car or a paper version of your powerpoint, have a Plan B when 'technical problems ensue' or any other challenge happen to confront you.
If we are to be effective leaders and communicators it's important we realize that perfection is not the goal.Of course we desire to improve and hone our skills and become the best version of ourselves we can possibly be, but we will never be perfect. And there will always been opportunities for us to grow and learn each day.
