In leadership, it’s not the good times that define us, but how we handle the challenges. And we all know there are plenty of challenges.  Difficult times test our character, resilience, and ability to lead with clarity and purpose which is basically why I often call myself a professional problem solver.  Every August I attend the international Maxwell Leadership Conference in Orlando.  My mentor, leadership expert, John Maxwell taught me the five critical areas leaders should focus on during tough times. His insights were both profound and practical, offering a roadmap to help us lead effectively.

Maxwell’s core message was clear: "What you put in front of you gets bigger, and what you put behind you gets smaller." This simple yet powerful principle can guide us through the most challenging circumstances by helping us prioritize what truly matters. Here are the five areas he highlighted that can make all the difference.

1. Put Behind You What You Can’t Do and Put Before You What You Can Do

Leadership during tough times requires a shift in focus. It’s easy to get caught up in what isn’t possible, but this mindset only leads to frustration and stagnation. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of letting go of what you can’t do and instead focusing on what you can. I always tell my team; we can’t change the past so what can we change?

By concentrating on actionable steps and leveraging available resources, leaders can maintain momentum and inspire their teams to move forward, even when circumstances are less than ideal. This approach not only keeps your organization moving but also fosters a culture of resilience and problem-solving.

2. Put Fear Behind You and Courage Before You

Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, but as Maxwell points out, "The stronger emotion always wins." If you let fear dominate, it will paralyze decision-making and create a culture of hesitation. On the other hand, courage empowers leaders to take bold steps, even when the path ahead is unclear.  I’ve learned, over time, how to do things afraid. It doesn’t make fear disappear, it’s just smaller when you look at it in your rear-view mirror.

It’s crucial to lead with courage. This doesn’t mean being reckless, but rather making calculated decisions with confidence, even in the face of fear. Courageous leadership inspires others to act and builds a collective strength that can overcome any obstacle.

3. Put the Word 'Occasionally' Behind You and Put Consistency Before You

You already know this, but do you do this?  Consistency is key to achieving long-term success, especially during challenging periods. Maxwell stresses that "If you're persistent, you get what you want; if you want to keep it, you must stay consistent." Occasional efforts yield occasional results, but consistency builds trust, reliability, and sustainable progress.

This steadiness not only drives results but also reassures teams and stakeholders that the organization is on a solid path, even when external factors are unpredictable.

4. Put Complaining Behind You and Gratitude Before You

It’s easy to complain when things aren’t going well, but complaints don’t solve problems—they magnify them. Maxwell advises leaders to "focus on gratitude." Gratitude shifts your perspective from what’s going wrong to what’s still going right. I got a chance to put that into practice last week. My car got rear ended.  Three vehicles were involved and while it’s been a stressful week juggling one family vehicle and anxiously waiting to see if they fix or total my car, I’m incredibly grateful I didn’t get hurt. Every time I catch myself wanting to be angry over the inconvenience of the situation, I’m switching gears faster than a Ferrari to gratitude.

Gratitude also helps leaders appreciate the small wins, the support of their teams, and the opportunities that arise. This positive focus can be a powerful tool for maintaining morale too.

5.  Put Behind You Low Road Leadership and Put Before You High Road Leadership.

The temptation to take shortcuts or engage in unethical behavior can be strong sometimes. However, Maxwell urges leaders to make the right choice.  High road leadership means making decisions based on integrity, even when it’s difficult.

Taking the high road builds credibility and trust, both of which are essential for long-term success. It ensures that, no matter how tough the circumstances, you remain true to your values and set a positive example for others to follow. High road leadership isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s about leading with honor and respect, which ultimately strengthens the organization’s culture and reputation.