Embracing Hope: Leading Through Crisis

The 20th century playwright and political leader, Vaclav Havel, wrote “hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.”  Think about that for a moment, “… the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.”  When I read those words, I am convicted.  And this was written by Havel during a time when he stood against the tyranny of communism in the former Czechoslovakia and became the first president of the Czech Republic in 1993.

“… the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.”

Hope. Hope to empower. Hope to encourage. Hope to cast vision. Hope to persevere. Hope to believe when nothing makes sense… When faced with crisis, in times of uncertainty, when your plans have been laid to ruin, what is it that gives you hope?

As a leader facing tough times, hope may seem like a limited commodity. Although unique in its composition, when given away, hope seems to multiply. Hope is commonly described as a feeling of expectation; a desire for a certain thing to happen.  When projected, hope is greater than fear.

Hope > Fear

Hope for a leader is often anchored to your ‘Why’ – which is grounded in what you believe. As a leader, establishing hope in darkness and uncertainty provides a beacon of light, a defining direction – serving as both a guide and a warning. It establishes a sense of expectation despite the turmoil.  Creating a woven tapestry of confidence amidst uncertainty.

Do you cast hope… or doubt?

Amidst some of the most unsettled and challenging times facing the people of South Africa, Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see the light despite all the
darkness”. Shifting your focus may allow you to having clarity in sight – but how do you speak life, speak hope in times of crisis?  And how do you put those words into action? How do you demonstrate hope?

Hope provides perspective – but not necessarily direction. Hope allows you to move from paralysis to a changed perspective. In not seeing things as they had been but rather what they could become.

Hope fills – but requires action – to be sustained.  And in times of crisis like this, that action is often based on limited information, perhaps even speculation. Hope creates the feeling of expectation that allows a direction to be cast and momentum to build. This in turn builds community around action, furthering hope and trust.

Haval’s humanity and humility, coupled with his deep convictions created hope.  It was a small spark, a belief that was contagious.  It was his hope that transformed others and led to an incredible movement against the tyranny of communism in his and many other countries. He created inspiration when there was none. He empowered his country to adopt hope as a state of mind – not giving in to the state of affairs surrounding them.

Leading by conviction, embracing hope, he did not stare up the steps of change, he began walking up them.  He believed the effort was worthwhile. One-step-at-a-time. How are you leading through crisis? How do you light the fire of hope? What actions steps must you take?

I have heard it often said, that hope is not a strategy – but it is a start.

#LeadWithPassion Community:

Are you empowered to embrace hope in such a time as this?

What are 3 things you can do to create hope for yourself, your family, your team?

How can you support others through uncertainty?