Last Thursday night, the unexpected happened—a tornado ripped through town and my neighborhood. While the damage here wasn’t nearly as bad as it was just a few blocks over, it still left its mark. Trees down, patio furniture tossed a few hundred yards, the marina flattened, buildings toppled, roofs peeled off, and telephone poles snapped like toothpicks. My neighbor’s back porch ended up in his front yard, and power lines were down all over, leaving us without power or internet for three days. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries and no loss of life. As always, I found myself asking, “What can I learn from this?” Here are my top three leadership lessons from that night.

1. Staying Calm Under Pressure

In moments of chaos, being able to keep a level head and make rational decisions can make all the difference. The tornado hit with no warning, no sirens—just 100mph winds tearing through for a few minutes, then shifting direction completely. It was incredibly bizarre and terrifying. Amid the chaos, I remembered to stop, breathe, think, and act—principles I wrote about in my book, *SFBP*. This experience underscored the importance of maintaining composure during business crises. As leaders, we often face unpredictable and high-pressure situations where our decisions can have significant impacts on our teams and companies. The clarity and weight of leadership during those critical moments can make all the difference.

2. Preparation and Adaptability

We had talked about what to do in case of a bad storm. We had flashlights, a weather radio, and a plan. Some things went well—like the flashlight working—but others, like finding the weather radio and communicating with family, didn’t go as planned. This mirrors my business experience: the best strategic, disaster recovery, and sales plans never go exactly as planned. Leaders need to be ready to adapt and make decisions in the moment that align with end goals. It’s not just about having a plan, but also about being flexible and responsive to the realities we face.

3. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Experiencing the tornado firsthand shifted my perspective. I remembered a conversation with a friend whose family lost their house in a tornado a few years back. He said, “I wish nobody knew what that was like. Ignorance is bliss.” This resonated deeply with me. Until you’ve experienced such chaos and fear, it’s hard to truly understand. This lesson extends to business as well. Team members and fellow founders go through tough times, and as leaders, it’s crucial to walk alongside them, offering support and empathy. Sometimes, just being there and understanding can make a huge difference.

Key Takeaway

Leadership is about more than making decisions; it’s about staying calm in chaos, preparing and adapting, and leading with empathy.

Conclusion

I want to leave you all with a challenge. Take a moment to reflect on your own leadership skills. How can you apply these lessons in your life and inspire those around you to raise their leadership game? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Remember, leadership isn't just about a title—it's about making a positive impact and guiding others towards success. Look for lessons in everyday life—they’re all around us.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and lead with heart.