My daughter purchased “Storyworth” for me for Mother’s Day. Every week, I respond to questions like “how did you get your first job”, or “what is your favorite possession”. I ponder and respond. At the end of a year, these stories will be compiled into “my story”. I have found this exercise of writing my stories to be a uniquely personal and reflective journey.
This week’s question was “what are my favorite places to spend summer”. This was easy – my favorite place to spend time is near water – any kind of water. I love the sound of water, and its power. For whatever reason, I find a sense of calm and purpose in water.
Pondering the nature of water, I started thinking about healthcare leadership – especially as we emerge from COVID and learn to adapt to our new reality. Water is a substance that effortlessly adapts to its surroundings, overcomes obstacles, and flows with unwavering resilience. I wanted to explore the concept of being like water when leading and how understanding the nature of water can help us navigate the challenges and complexities of leadership with fluidity and adaptability.
Water Embraces Change:
Water is constantly changing its form, from liquid to vapor to ice, adapting to its environment without resistance. Similarly, as leaders, we must embrace change and be open to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. By cultivating a mindset that sees change as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat, we can inspire our teams to be more agile and innovative.
Water Adapts to Different Situations:
Water effortlessly molds itself to fit any container it is poured into. As leaders, we must be adaptable to different situations and contexts, recognizing that what works in one scenario may not in another. This flexibility allows us to adjust our leadership style, communication, and decision-making to suit the needs of our team and the circumstances at hand.
Water Stays Calm in Turbulent Times:
Just as water remains calm and serene even in the face of strong currents or turbulent storms, leaders must learn to maintain composure during challenging times. By staying grounded and composed, we can inspire confidence and provide stability to our teams, enabling them to navigate through uncertainty with trust and resilience.
Water Overcomes Obstacles:
Water effortlessly finds its way around obstacles, flowing persistently until it reaches its destination. Similarly, leaders should approach obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. By encouraging a problem-solving mindset, we can inspire our teams to find innovative solutions and overcome challenges with determination and perseverance.
Water Is Nurturing and Supportive:
Water sustains life, providing nourishment and support to all living beings. Likewise, effective leaders should foster a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages the growth and development of their team members. By providing guidance, mentorship, and empowerment, leaders can help their teams flourish and reach their full potential.
Water Leads by Example:
Water does not demand attention or seek recognition, yet its impact is undeniable. Similarly, leaders should lead by example, embodying the qualities they wish to see in their team members. By demonstrating integrity, authenticity, and humility, leaders can inspire trust and loyalty, creating an environment where everyone is motivated to give their best.
Water can be so gentle. When you are in water, it wraps around you gently. If you “work with” water, it will float you when you swim. If you fight it, you sink. It demands cooperation and in turn, provides life. Water is the foundation of life – our bodies are about 65% water so it is natural; familiar. Babies are born from their mothers by emerging from a bag of water. We can survive for about 30 days without food, but only about 7 days without water. Water is also strong. Water carved the Grand Canyon, through unwavering persistence. It has caused massive destruction in the way of floods; but can also provide energy by harnessing its power.
To be like water when leading is to embody the qualities of adaptability, resilience, and fluidity. By embracing change, adapting to different situations, staying calm in turbulent times, overcoming obstacles, being nurturing and supportive, and leading by example, we leaders can inspire and empower our teams to reach new heights. So, let us learn from the wisdom of water and become leaders who flow effortlessly, adapting and thriving in the ever-changing currents of the professional world.