Self Leadership Lessons From Current Adverse Weather

Like a lot of the UK, where I live is covered in snow and experiencing icy conditions.  As I was out clearing the driveway the best I could to get the car out, I noticed what was and what was not happening around me and it got me thinking about self leadership lessons that would could learn from the snowy conditions.

The first thing I noticed is that very few people were taking any sort of personal responsibility.  Very few people were out clearing snow.  Motorists who ventured out were often not even clearing their windscreens properly before setting out on the roads.

The next thing I noticed was that many wanted to try and take shortcuts.  For example, try and force their way out of the snow rather than take a few minutes to prepare the area for their exit from their driveway or kerbside.

Thirdly when I was out on the road, people, despite being told over and over again about the importance of being careful, in some instances people drove as if it was a normal day with perfect conditions.

Finally, we rarely acknowledge the extreme efforts that many people are making to make sure that services and goods we need are available despite the conditions.  This includes the emergency services, hospitals, council roads people but also people like lorry drivers who make sure that supermarkets get the stocks needed.

I wonder what other lessons you would add to the learning that we can take from the current adverse weather conditions?  Leave a comment with your ideas.

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to be highly effective leaders and managers.  For more information click here

About the Author Duncan Brodie

Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.

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6 comments
Ann Lewis says 7 January 2010

Great post Duncan. I’d add being present in the moment – essential for any leadership situation, and especially relevant in current conditions. Presence enables you to give exquisite attention to what comes up as it arises. And that includes skidding and sliding.

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