A new year always feels like a fresh start. Even the number 2020 brought about so much hope for people.

2020 will be a year of perfect vision.

-some said.

It’s a leap year; I’m going to leap.

-others boasted.

Now, at just a quarter of the way through our fresh year, here we are trying to learn a new normal in the wake of a global crisis.

Leaders, I see you.

I see you making hard business decisions, learning new ways to operate, being creative to make things work.

I see you having to figure out how to care for employees, even though you might not be able to keep them all employed in the weeks and months ahead.

I see you learning new systems and technologies, working to make remote working more feasible for employees, both now and in the future.

I see you thinking of new ways to care for your clients, and ways to support the members of your community and the world at large.

I see those of you who are having to change your hours of operation, or even having to close your doors for a time.

I know this past season has been full of having to make decisions that you never dreamed you’d be making this year. Or ever.

But, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you for doing the best you can for the people you lead. Thank you for considering all options, and making the best decisions for not only the companies involved, but the individuals who are being impacted. Thank you for not taking your responsibility lightly.

While an honor, leadership is full of making hard decisions. While a privilege, it is also a great responsibility.

Leaders, keep up the great work. Keep dreaming and creating and building up those around you.

I am confident that, while not an easy task, we will come out of this stronger. And, while our current circumstances may look otherwise, I am hopeful that our dreams for 2020 can still come to fruition.