“Gratitude turns what we have, into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie

If there is one thing leading a small business and raising three boys has taught me, it is that you cannot control the unexpected twists and turns. Living through a global pandemic and the profound disruptions that followed was a once-in-a-century experience. When you layer in the everyday challenges of running a company, the pressure is magnified.

However, it is in our most challenging times that we discover who we really are as leaders and organizations. What began as a season of sheer survival ultimately revealed enduring truths about how to lead effectively.

Here are the five key learnings that continue to impact me, my team, and how we do business

Stay Grounded in your Values.
Values are not just words for a website; they are your decision-making framework. During seasons of extreme uncertainty, our core values – both as a family and as a business – provided a definitive compass for how we were going to navigate the chaos. When you are faced with impossible choices, a strong foundation of values keeps your decision-making grounded and focused on long-term sustainability rather than short-term panic.

Embrace Grief and Disappointment.
In business, we have a tendency to push through, overcome challenges at all costs, and fill our time with being busy. But toxic positivity doesn’t work. When major initiatives, events, or strategic goals have to be reimagined, postponed, or canceled, it takes a toll on a team.

I learned that you have to stop and reflect. Allowing yourself and your team the time and space to acknowledge frustration and disappointment is vital. That which we deny tends to rob us of energy. Acknowledging a setback honestly is the only way to heal, pivot, and move forward with renewed momentum.

Have the Courage to be Vulnerable. There is incredible freedom in embracing imperfection. In times of uncertainty, it is impossible for a leader to have all the answers. I had to learn how to let go of top-down control, be transparent about the challenges we were facing, and invite my team in to problem-solve with me.

A colleague of mine once pointed out that even in the best of years, strategic plans always change because we have the false perception that we can control the future. In reality, you get better results, more agile solutions, and stronger buy-in when you have the courage to take risks alongside your team.

Find Gratitude in Every Circumstance. There is something we can learn from every situation, every failed project, and every difficult relationship we encounter. Period. Gratitude in business is ultimately about maintaining a growth mindset. It shifts your perspective from “Why is this happening to our company?” to “What is this teaching our company?” That mindset shapes your entire operational outlook.

Connection and Relationships Give you Strength. You are not alone, and neither is your business. Whether it is employee engagement, client partnerships, or leaning on your professional network, human connection remains a primary driver of success. Businesses don’t survive crises; the people inside them do. Prioritizing those relationships is the most important investment you can make.

The Message in the Mess

When we reflect on the growth of our business, it is important to do an inventory of all the things we have to be thankful for. It’s not just about what happens to your company, it’s about what you do next.

Gratitude is not just a feel-good emotion; it is a strategic tool that can open doors and help you find your path out of the storm. As Steve Maraboli said, “Those with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up.”

Taking that “inventory” is the first step toward building a truly resilient organization. If you are ready to look beneath the surface and see exactly where your organization stands today, we’ve designed a few practical starting points.

You can gauge your current alignment with our Team Health & Performance Assessment, or look toward the future of your leadership with our Succession Readiness Assessment. Both are built to give you the clarity needed to ground your team in long-term strength—because navigating the next storm is always easier when you know your foundation is solid.