This week two separate clients shared how a member of their staff had recently tragically died.

None of us wishes for tragic things to happen, but somehow it finds all of us at different times in our lives. And when it does it tends to stop us in our tracks, even if for a split second, and force a decision…do we run at it or do we run away from it?

When tragedy finds great leaders they, like first responders, do not run away from the tragedy, but run at it. Hence, great leaders are not defined by the tragedy, but rather by how they respond to it.

Tragedies have a way of revealing who we really are. It strips away all the façade and exposes the real person. That is good, because that is the part that those affected by the tragedy [even when it is us ourselves] need to see and respond best to.

One client shared  how their team was devastated by the tragedy, yet how their own transparency and vulnerability in the aftermath helped staff get through it and become a closer team.

When words seem inadequate, great leaders let their heart do the talking.

Herb Mast is a Leadership Coach and Employee Engagement Specialist. Learn how he can assist you in implementing the principles and concepts presented here.