As leaders, our influence is like the weather—immediate, pervasive, and powerful. In the wake of last week’s U.S. election, let’s consider how we each bring our own “weather” to work. Do we create an atmosphere of support and clarity, or something else? Our presence can change everything.
A saying you’ll often hear around Leadership Circle is that “leaders bring the weather.” What we mean by that is that how a leader shows up, moment to moment, determines the impact and influence they have on their people and largely affects their organization’s climate, culture, and outcomes.
Think about it. You’ve probably been in situations where any time your boss or manager joined a meeting or jumped into a conversation, they sucked the air out of the room. Or maybe the inverse is true; when they hopped on a call or joined a brainstorming session, everybody perked up.
As leaders, what we say and how we carry ourselves shape the atmosphere around us, often in ways that may not be obvious. And, like the weather, a leader’s presence can be felt immediately by those in the vicinity. It has the power to steady or unsettle us, to cloud or clarify our plans, and to stir anxiety or inspire hope.
As I reflect on last week’s election here in the U.S., I keep thinking about the weather ahead. In some ways, we may know what to expect. After all, numerous candidates won reelection, so we are somewhat familiar with the weather they bring. But let’s not forget the old saying that all politics is local. Just like the weather. While it may be tempting to look at the big picture and feel either exoneration or exasperation, depending on your point of view, the reality is that we, as leaders, set the tone within our own organizations, communities, and families. How we approach each conversation, meeting, and decision contributes to the “weather” those around us experience every day.
In the weeks and months to come, I encourage you to pay close attention to how you and your leadership affect others. Do you bring an air of calm to the room or blow in like a tornado? Does your presence help break through the fog or cast shadows on the work of your team?
You have the power to create a climate where constructive dialogue, creativity, authenticity, and mutual respect can thrive. Let’s bring the weather that lights the path forward.
-Bill Adams, Co-Founder & CEO
About: Bill loves people and is passionate about relationships, leadership, and business. He is a serial entrepreneur who has started, owned and sold multiple businesses. As a founder and the current CEO of Leadership Circle, Bill brings thirty years of experience to his clients – the CEOs of major Fortune 500 corporations, non-profits, and private equity start-ups. In addition, Bill co- authored “Mastering Leadership” and “Scaling Leadership.” As a trusted advisor, teacher, consultant, and coach, he works with CEOs and top teams in fulfilling the promise of leadership.
