Leadership Lessons from an Unusual Source
We can find lessons in simple and complex experiences, pleasant and unpleasant ones, too. These experiences can reinforce simple concepts that are foundational for great leadership. I just experienced one of the unpleasant and unusual sources, which has lessons for every leader.
I underwent a total hip replacement. My stomach tightened into a nylon knot when my orthopedic surgeon delivered the news.
I’ll spare you the self-doubt and denial I experienced at that time. Shock? Yup. That was me. Instead, I turned to my faith and placed the process in God’s hands, transforming my anxiety into constructive questions.
Rather than asking myself, “What did I do wrong to cause this?” I shifted my focus to, “What can I learn from this humbling experience which is full of surprises, pain, and the journey of learning to walk again, one step at a time – literally?” Isn’t that what leadership’s all about – navigating challenges, facing some pain, overcoming surprises, and forging new ways to move forward?
Leadership Lessons from My Bionic Hip
The surgery is now behind me. Recovery with my new bionic hip is progressing well. I had much time for reflection on what I, as a leader, can learn from my new journey. Here are some lessons a leader can glean from my enlightening experience.
- Be Prepared – Like a Boy Scout. I was given a checklist of pre-op actions which included strengthening exercises. I did my preparation and was I happy I did! Leaders must be prepared. If you’ve managed a team long enough, you will have experienced many situations where what was thought to be a simple solution became complicated in a heartbeat. Preparation minimizes unexpected issues – especially if you’re getting fitted for a new titanium hip!
- Humor is Medicine – Build a Positive Culture. Before surgery, I had my medical support team in “contained” laughter (because we were in a hospital) from my jokes. I believe the team gave me special treatment as a result. I also engaged humorously with my Physical Therapist versus treating her as just another service provider. It created a pleasant mood and experience. Leaders should see their employees as a team, a community, or even a family. Be friendly, warm-hearted, and compassionate. Laughter is a social lubricant and bonding agent.
- Listen to Your Elders – Don’t Play Surgeon. A common thread from all the advice I got aligned with my surgeon’s number one direction: do the assigned exercises. The potential consequence of not following my medical team’s direction was too steep a price to pay. Similarly, leaders must recognize that expertise matters, and know how to leverage and show confidence in their experts.
- Patience is a Virtue – and Comes One Step at a Time. No one likes pain, and we want it to be over ASAP. However, leading a team is like learning to walk again. There are no quick fixes. We have to take one step and then another in the same direction. It’s a very slow marathon, not a sprint. The best and most lasting results tend to take time and effort. Progress might be slow, but steady progress wins the race.
- Great Accountability is Better Than Good Intentions. With all my intentions to ace my exercises and push for a faster recovery, it was much easier to just lay in bed – while the clock tick-tocks away. My accountability partner, my wife, did a great job getting me moving with encouragement and reminding me of my responsibility. Leaders must go beyond hopes, wishes, and intentions and hold themselves accountable to execute as planned.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once – You Get What You Measure. The day after surgery tested my memory and stressed me out because there was so much to do hourly. I needed more than 60 minutes in my hour for medication, ambulating (walking), exercising, and icing. Then repeat. My stress only dissipated after I started keeping track of my activities and time. Leaders will make better progress by measuring key process indicators.
- Strength in Numbers – Iron Sharpens Iron. I thought I was doing great until I ran into a fellow hip replacement woman who was walking with a cane only three days after her surgery. I was still using a walker. That challenged me to push further, cautiously, of course. Leaders should be inspired by others on a similar journey, even fellow bionic colleagues.
- Don’t Be a Lone Ranger – Ask for Help. I had a tribe around me encouraging, praying, and supporting me. However, when you are wobbling on a walker, feeling like a newborn doe, and can’t even bend to put on your socks, you have to leverage help. Leaders should know when to ask for help, whether from mentors, coaches, or even their friendly Physical Therapists.
- Celebrate The Baby Steps. Every tiny step post-surgery felt like a ginormous win. Every incremental victory, whether successfully going up and down a few steps, taking my first steps forward without my walker, or transitioning from a walker to a cane, meant progress and was celebrated. It’s important that leaders recognize and celebrate the small wins among their teams. It improves morale and boosts confidence.
A total hip replacement is not just about repairing bones. It’s a humbling experience that offers valuable lessons in effective leadership. This includes the importance of preparation, fostering a positive culture, maintaining accountability, and celebrating small wins.
No matter what challenges you are facing today, consider asking yourself a simple question: What lessons can I learn from this experience? Leaders who can learn from their experiences will navigate their paths successfully, whether they run, walk, or occasionally wobble along the way.
Empowered Leader Reflection
What lessons did you learn from your last painful experience?
Would you share your thoughts with us below?
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