During a crisis, bad leadership precipitates a faster fall while good leadership offers steadiness and perseverance. – John C. Maxwell

Crisis is common. It throws everything and everyone into an upheaval. While most wait for a deliverer, the leader must confront the crisis for both themselves and for the masses. The leader’s words in crisis spells life or death for all.

“Good morning. This is a great day for our country.” A leader pretending nothing is wrong worsens the crisis and courts doom. Denying reality does not negate it. A leader does not play ostrich.

“The enemies of progress have ruined the economy” Blaming others for problems a leader created or allowed during his tenure, does not erase culpability neither does it resolve the crisis. The people know the truth and the problem persists.

“Nothing can be done about the situation right now.” Closed-mindedness costs people jobs, homes, livelihoods, and lives.

“We are doing this for the people.” Insecurity and need to get credit do not recommend a leader. When a leader’s actions are praiseworthy, s/he will be praised.

“Nobody can change the system.” If the system is corrupt, it is a leader’s responsibility to correct it. Despair is akin to laziness.

“We’re done.” The defeat of a leader is the defeat of all.

As John Maxwell says, “There are never two good consecutive days in a leader’s life, which means that leaders should be used to rough times.” Being used to rough times, the leader must make good decisions that will move the people forward and keep the country, whole. The words of a leader should give hope, strength, and courage to face the future regardless of how uncertain it is.