How can I step up as a leader during massive uncertainty?

Despite all of negative emotions that I've been feeling since the beginning of this global pandemic, there is one thing that continues to brighten my day each and every time I see it.

People, friends and strangers alike, are coming together to comfort and support each other.

It's inspiring to see this virus bring out the best in people. While the knee-jerk fear reaction may initially be one of scarcity, selfishness or individualism, there are more and more stories emerging of people choosing to lead with compassion, support and unity.

Global stories like Jack Ma, the richest man in China, donating 500,000 testing kits and 1,000,000 face masks to the US. Stories of neighborhoods singing to each other. Stories about international cooperation where a team of health experts left China to head to Italy to lend a hand. Crowd funding stories that spontaneously happen on Twitter to support those less fortunate.

This type of compassion and support is happening at the local level too. Countless stories of people helping their elderly neighbors buy supplies. Stories of helping friends and family understand the severity of our situation and prepare properly. And stories of supporting local businesses and providing extra tips and payments to service workers.

We need more of these stories during the coming weeks and months.

One question I continue to ask to all of my coaching clients is:

"How can you show up as a leader even more during these times of uncertainty?

I ask myself this every day.

For me, the answer is typically:

• connect with friends and loved ones
• help people to be as prepared and safe as possible
• express gratitude
• offer to help support others wherever the opportunity presents itself
• ensure that I'm taking proper care of myself and keeping my immune system as ready as possible

Am I going to be as productive during these times as I would be under normal circumstances? Absolutely not, and that is 100% fine with me. I've broken almost all of my personal, self-care and social routines. I'm doing my best with what I've got, and that's really all I can do for now.

It's important to remember what we are optimizing for in any given moment. I am not trying to minimize disruptions to my personal life, business world or daily routines. I'm optimizing to stay healthy for as long as I can to flatten the curve and at the same time show up as a leader for everyone I can.

If there's any way I can help, even if it's just a 15 minute virtual coffee, I am here for you.

We are all in this together.