What’s Weighing You Down?

Yesterday our region was hit hard with an unusual late October winter storm. The heavy wet snow accumulated quickly, made driving treacherous, and brought down hundreds of trees. The resulting accidents and power outages have disrupted life for thousands of persons. As I write this blog (using the battery power of a laptop) my neighborhood in Bucks County is currently without electricity. Although tomorrow is officially Halloween, one has to note the irony of this situation as today is traditionally celebrated as mischief night. Seems the trouble has begun a bit early!

Because most of the trees in our area have yet to completely shed their leaves the storm’s wet and sticky precipitation placed additional stress on branches and limbs. The expansive tree in our front yard suffered significant damage when a major bough cracked and crashed to the ground at the height of the storm. It is likely we won’t be able to salvage what is left. The photo accompanying this blog is evidence of the aftermath.

As I thought about how quickly the weather system brought havoc and destruction it reminded me of the significant challenges facing many of today’s leaders. Like the storm’s weighty snow, leaders are carrying increasingly heavy burdens in their work and personal lives. Much of this pressure is a result of working with less people and resources, some a consequence of the nation’s financial meltdown, and perhaps some is the impact of an increasingly challenging and changing marketplace.

How does a leader hold up under the weight of these ongoing pressures? What will prevent you from cracking as the pressure to do more with less is magnified? Some of my clients have sought out coaching to guide them through these dark and lonely times. They recognize the value of a non-biased opinion and the importance of an accountability partner as they try to change their behavior. In my practice I often invite clients to reframe their thinking about the uncertainties they are facing. The simple act of changing how we think about a situation invites us to consider new approaches and possibilities.

It is difficult to ask for help when the storms of life are dumping heavy burdens on our already weary shoulders. Many of us have been taught and mentored to “suck it up” when under pressure and just work harder. Yet we all know that without a support network eventually every leader will succumb to the weight of his or her anxieties and fears. The lesson of a freak October snowstorm seems clear; seek help or like the snow-covered tree branch in my front yard you too will crack and fall.