You Live on a Lake!

Make it your mantra to successfully lead during times of unexpected change

Here’s an interesting, albeit random, fun fact: Whenever you read a business article or blog that mentions “navigation of the sea,” it’s highly likely that it was created using AI. 

I put this out there because this article mentions navigation, including wind velocity on Lake Michigan. And I want to be clear from the start that I did not use #AI to write it. It’s all me. It’s JUST JODY! 😉

I actually talk quite a bit about living on a #lake. It’s what I know, where I live, and what I love. And it makes for some pretty solid metaphors. Now, to some, I talk about it so much that it may eventually get annoying (especially with all of my sunset boat ride pics). That’s, of course, not my intent. It’s because my family and I are transplants to this stretch of rural, waterfront heaven, and I’m still amazed every day by the feeling of calm and tranquility it offers. I ♥️ small town living!

However, life on the water also comes with storms. We occasionally have powerful gale force winds and torrential downpours. This weekend, I was reminded of just how unpredictable #lakelife can be.

We went to bed on Sunday evening to the gentle tapping of a light(ish) rain storm. However, during the night, our Pontoon boat had been pushed away from the pier due to high winds and rough waters. This is really unusual…at least to us transplants.

While this was upsetting, any time I complain about things like rough waters, mayflies or spiders, I am quickly told by one or more locals: “You live on a lake! What did you expect?” This tends to slap me back into reality. Living on a lake means I need to accept the unforeseen. I’m sure I’ll get used to it one day: With beauty comes the unpredictable.

All this to say that this has become my mantra: “You live on a lake!” It reminds me to go with the flow and adapt and adjust as needed. Surprises (good, bad or ugly) show up all the time in life. As a leader, it’s how you handle them that matters. 

How many times would we be better off in business if we accepted the reality of given situations? If we adjusted our attitudes and expectations to better work through tough, unpredictable times? It’s something to think about. It’s something to take in and make your own.

So, the next time your boat (AKA: YOU…another great metaphor at work) becomes unhinged from the pier, just remember the mantra: “You live on a lake!” Take a deep breath, adjust your expectations, and work to resolve the situation.

Attitude is everything!

#leadership #radicalcpa #lakelife #accountingandaccountants #cpafirm #cpa