“I’ve just realised something very big.”

The words were from a very smart and experienced leader and we had been discussing their approach to how the interacted with their staff. He had been silent for over a minute as he digested something I’d shared around the inner approach to business.

“I’ve been focused on ‘being right’. But I should be focused on ‘getting it right’.”

It was a beautiful way of saying something that’s prevalent for many.

The word ‘contagion’ has been more prevalent over the last few weeks because of the threat of the corona virus.

Contagion is defined as the communication of disease from one person or organism to another by close contact.

But have you ever considered the possibility of ‘mood contagion’ in your work and life?

I see it daily with leaders I work with and it has a massive bearing on organisational performance yet despite that, it’s rarely discussed in leadership training.

If you’re living in Ireland, you’re very aware of the recent political changes that happened at the national elections over a week ago.

If you’re not living here, the very short summary is that there was a huge surge in support for Sinn Féin, the socialist, left-wing Irish republican political party, which has re-shaped the Irish political landscape.

The rate of change in today’s world continues to accelerate, and we can see this with technology, economics and politics. Only this weekend in Ireland, there has been a major shift in the balance of political power. A new term for this time, being used in business circles, is the VUCA age.

I remember speaking a few years ago at a conference where there were several speakers. I was standing to the side of a stage, getting ready to go on after a well known man. As I listened, he rattled off numerous inspirational slogans, one after another.

I had thought today’s post would be about Brexit – because after all of the delays, it finally happens this Friday 31st January. But news yesterday of the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant took my attention and enough has been written about Brexit. Even if you’re not into the sport, you have probably heard of Kobe – because he has been one of the main super-players of the last 20 years in the sport.

“I hate where I’m at.” she said. “Tell me more”, I replied. She did and as she described it, it didn’t sound great. “So what are you going to do about it?” , I asked. Blank look, and this from someone who is smart and perceived to be very successful, strong and confident.

It’s typical at this time of the year to see my gym busy and with plenty of new faces. New Year resolutions have a lot to answer for! But will they be there in a month? One guy who probably will be is someone I saw today.

I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions. Often many sprint into the early days of January with the best intentions in the world. But we all know what happens to those intentions…

Be assured that within your setbacks most likely are hidden gems. Gems that can make your foundations stronger and that ultimately can create a greater probability of growth – in any aspect of life.