Choose the Sturdy Handle: Leadership in Difficult Moments

Almost all issues have two handles: a sturdy handle and a wobbly one. Your job, as a leader, is to consistently choose the sturdy handle.

“Every event has two handles,” the Greek philosopher, Epictetus, once said – “one by which it can be carried, and one by which it can’t. If your brother does you wrong, don’t grab it by his wronging, because this is the handle incapable of lifting it. Instead, use the other—that he is your brother, that you were raised together, and then you will have hold of the handle that carries.”

In other words, if you frame an issue in judgement, you will have discord and division. If you frame it in reconciliation, you will likely have peace.

Discord is a distraction; and peace leads to productivity. Discord is easy. Peace is hard.

That’s why you’re a leader – to do what is hard.