Powerful lessons we learned in the past twelve months

How to confidently navigate a crisis

To say that the last twelve months have been trying would be an understatement. Uncertainty and fear have left many of us feeling powerless and exhausted. We’ve had to contend with the capriciousness of government leaders, manage the health and safety of our school community, and address the rightful worry of parents. But through it all we have managed, with relative composure, to move onward with optimism and hope. While there isn’t one specific thing that has made dealing with the pandemic easier, here are five takeaways to help you navigate a crisis: 

Prioritize wellness 
At Walden we believe that being well leads to doing well. It is especially true during times of crisis. Maintaining your health by engaging in mindfulness, exercise, diet, and sleep is essential. But, wellness also means acknowledging emotions, managing distress by choosing to avoid negative news, finding joy and being grateful. It’s about being proactive and purposeful in redirecting your thoughts and actions.

Focus on things you can control 
This seems to be a tall order when everything around us seems uncertain. I’ve learned that there is a world of difference between reacting and responding. That perception is reality. And, that you really are more resilient than you think. The key is finding ways to be better prepared. “What would I do if …?” is a more powerful way to put yourself in the driver’s seat than conjuring “what if” scenarios that may never happen. 

Looking at crisis as an opportunity for innovation
In order to effectively do this, you must first take stock in what is most important to you. Identifying the fundamental needs of your community will often help remove blinders to processes that are outdated and superfluous. The pandemic forced us to rethink how we operate. Instead of cursing the need to change, we embraced the possibility to be better than we were before. 

Reach out to your network 
Forging and renewing ties in your network can make getting through a crisis more palatable. I found tremendous comfort connecting with other Heads of School in Oakville during the pandemic. Their collective wisdom, encouragement and humour provided an empathetic forum for productive conversation and problem-solving. 

Rely on your team 
Sometimes, the most effective form leadership is letting others take the lead. It’s true that the crew depends on its captain to keep calm and stay the course when sailing within a storm. But the power of a collaborative culture is often underestimated or ignored. “Big L” leaders need to know when to check their egos at the door and allow “little L” leaders to take charge. It’s knowing the strengths of your team and calling on them when you need it most. Not only does this activate some of the most creative ideas and solutions, but also does wonders for morale; especially, during times of crisis. 

As Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Having some strategies on how to navigate those choppy waters and a supportive crew along for the ride sure helps.