This is an emotional time.  One that brings out the best and worst in people. Your job is to sort though the emotions and keep the ship on course.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s first inaugural address contained the immortal words: “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

As a business leader, today’s daunting challenges should have those words ringing loudly in your ears.

Market confidence, access to capital and desperate competitors are the major external threats.  Internally, the most imminent danger is posed by coworkers, employees, friends and even your family losing their faith in you and your mission.

Action speaks louder

As their hope wavers, you will feel the pressure of their fear.  The greatest danger of all is that you might abandon your vision because you too will have become infected.  Leaders don’t have that option.

We are experiencing an extreme crisis of confidence. As a leader, it is up to you not to lose your way.

One of your primary tasks is to rally those around you. Give them the comfort of your vision and the inspiration of your action.

Opportunity is there to be had for a clear headed leader. But be warned; you will be challenged supremely from within your own walls. Key people will be driven by the fear of FDR warned us of.

They can eat you alive if you let them.  So don’t let them.

Strength. Humility. Responsibility.

Now is the time when your leadership is confirmed. It is lonely. It is frustrating. It is angering.

But you will be the one left with the satisfaction that you have thrived. Created something important. Improved the lives of those to whom you provided leadership.  So you need to summon all your strength.

You will also need to remember that leadership is not dictatorship. It is recognizing that you need to ask for help and express unyielding confidence in those you depend on to be a part of the solution.

So humility is an essential part of your leadership,

Some, however, you will discover can not be led. They will not follow either. They will simply linger with their fear, anger,and discontent.

Replace them. They do not fit. This is your responsibility to your business and to all who are associated with it. A house divided amongst itself cannot stand.

These times present an extraordinary opportunity to upgrade your talent.  So many successful, motivated people are hungry to be a part of making a worthy goal a successful reality.  Some are already on your team – waiting to surprise you with their talent, ingenuity and determination.

You may find that there are points when the burden of leadership is almost too much to bear. You will not be alone. Find support and camaraderie with fellow leaders. There are informal groups that provide a safe place to share your challenges with other business leaders.  Allow yourself to reach out to your former mentors.

The Courage to lead. Humility to trust. And Responsibility to recruit and retain those that fit your vision.

These are the qualities of leaders who will emerge from this historic period of economic transition.

Find them within you.