As a leader at home and work, you make decisions for yourself and others everyday.  It is easy to celebrate when your team is successful.  But what do you do when you hit a road block or challenge in your road to success?

First thing, make sure the whole team understands the plan.  As long as the plan is clear, any issues that pop up along the way can be dealt with as a team.  Make sure it is detailed with goals and a timeline. This will make it easier to follow.

Next, analyze the issues in detail that appear along the way. Why are they there? Is there an issue with your plan or process?  It is okay to redirect the team if there is a problem with the original plan.  Rewrite that plan if necessary. 

Last, own that plan.  If there was a flaw in the original plan, admit it and move on.  Your team will appreciate your honesty.  By owning that mistake you become a real leader and the whole team will learn from the process.
Make sure you celebrate those successes no matter how small. You will be on your way to a successful project and future.

It is not enough to be an example of good work ethic. We must also be generous with ourselves to be a true example of excellence.

No matter how organized we are, unexpected events can happen.  We get comfortable in our lives, set in our ways and Wham!  A flat tire, a broken pipe, an unexpected bill.  It can turn our lives upside down.  Now is the time to tighten those boot strings and show how strong we are.

​First, have a good cry.  Yes, it is okay to cry. Even the strong have to let the frustration flow some times. It will save you later heartache.  

Second, look at the real situation.  It is not always a helpless situation.  Most of the time when you look at the problem from all angles you can figure out a solution.  You are a smart leader.  Make your detailed  list and put it into action.  

Third, react.  The worse thing you can do is stand back with the solution in your hands and not put it in motion.  That is self sabotage.  For instance, if you have an unexpected bill, all your extra spending has to stop until that bill is paid.  Look at your extra expenses you can cut for the month.  Most of your subscriptions can be put on hold to for a month.  Netflix, Audible, and iTunes all have options that will not penalize you for pausing your subscription.  Most of you have heard me ask this before, how much do you spend on coffee or soda at work?  A refillable water bottle will save you money and it will be good for you too.  Take the extra money you have collected and pay that bill.

Last, after you have paid the bill and life is back to normal, look at where the money came from.  Can you keep it up to create an emergency fund?  In today's world of plastic parts and temporary fixes, an emergency fund is a necessity.  It will give you and your family the security you need.  Next time the unexpected happens, you will be prepared and you will be the hero.

​You've got this.  Make it happen.

It takes courage to be a leader.  No obstacle is too small or too large that leadership skills do not influence the outcome.  Sometimes our attitude affects that outcome.  You must believe in yourself for others to believe in you.  Believe in yourself.  You've got this.

Always keep your goals in sight. If you are distracted, refocus and regroup. You can do it.

Sometimes it takes time to build something great. Do your homework, perfect the details, and make it happen.  Remember, "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time."

Do not grow tired or become discouraged. Hang in there the blue water is coming.