Have you ever been in the throes of preparing for a big presentation and something unexpected happens?

Something that could impact the quality of your presentation, and possibly even your attendance at the event?

How do you handle such a situation?

Do you descend into negative thoughts, or do you find a way to turn the situation into an opportunity?

I’ve been in just this situation.

I was preparing for a day-long workshop with one of my biggest clients. One week out, while sitting at the computer, a muscle near my left shoulder blade seized up.

Ouch!! The pain was relentless and continued for two days straight. There was no getting comfortable and little sleep.

During the workshop, I’d be on my feet for eight hours.  All I could think about was, “How in the world am I going to be able to do the workshop with this kind of pain?”

By the third day, I’d been to the chiropractor, tried ice, heat and anti-inflammatories, all of which provided only temporary relief. By the end of the week, it became clear that I was going to have to show up for the workshop in a considerable amount of pain.

What was I going to do?

I reminded myself that, even with the pain, I still had choices. I identified five ways I could show up.  All the choices centered around my mindset and energy about my situation. 

Here are the five choices:

 
#1 – Passive Victim 
As a passive victim, it would be all about the pain and worried about my performance. Fearful that I would embarrass myself, I’d be filled with self-doubt and lack of confidence.
 
The result? I would decide to either cancel the workshop or, upon arriving at the venue, I’d complain to the organizer about the pain, muddle through, and apologize for a less-than-acceptable or shortened performance.
 
#2 – Angry Victim 
As an angry victim, I would still be focused on the pain but determined to fight my way through it. I’d blame the doctor for not being able to relieve my pain. Convinced of the awfulness of the situation, I’d expect the workshop to be the worst performance in history.
 
The result?  A mediocre workshop experience and excuse-making to the participants.
 
#3 – Determined Victim 
As a determined victim, my focus is still on my pain, but I’m determined to identify strategies to help me get through the day, such as taking more breaks to ice my shoulder. I’m convinced that I will make it through the day.
 
The result? A useful presentation of information, but one in which my connection with the participants is limited. 
 
#4 Gracious Giver 
As a gracious giver, my focus is on the participants. I’m determined to ignore the pain as much as possible, and I’m convinced that the most important thing is to be of service to the participants.
 
The result? A valuable presentation of information, but I may be overly concerned about being liked and appreciated. 
 
#5 Authentic Leader
As an authentic leader, I’m adequately focused on both myself and the participants. I’m determined to use my pain to create a learning experience and I’m convinced I can create a win-win opportunity.  
 
The result? A stellar workshop experience where the content comes alive and I’m able to connect with the participants on a deep level.

I’m pleased to report that I was able to show up as the authentic leader that day, and it was definitely a win-win for both me and the participants.

Now, it’s your turn. How will you show up for a critical meeting or presentation when you’re distracted by something beyond your control?

Perhaps it’s a critical meeting that will determine the future of your project or organization. Maybe it’s a difficult conversation you need to have. How about a new donor or prospect pitch – or even a family gathering?

How will you show up? You have choices. It’s completely up to you.  

_______________________

Passionate Leadership
is who you're being as you're leading.

About the Author

Gayle Ely is a Leadership Coach, Trainer and Facilitator and founder of Total Life Leadership. At Total Life Leadership, we partner with purpose-driven non-profit leaders and service entrepreneurs to help them answer the question “How Do I Become a Better Leader?”

Using The Six Pillars of Passionate Leadership, we equip leaders to be the best they can be.  The result is a passionate leader whose team and organization are operating for maximum impact.

Explore what’s getting in the way of passion in your leadership. Schedule an exploratory conversation. There is no cost and lots of value.