Exceptional Leadership in Unexpected Moments

June 11, 2024

The pessimist complains about the wind.

The optimist expects it to change.

The leader adjusts the sails.

-John Maxwell

On my recent travels to San Salvador to participate in HOPE worldwide's Community Service Brigades, I had the privilege of serving alongside many of our HOPE worldwide team members with several medical professionals in a children's school in Suchitoto, where we provided much-needed medical and dental assistance.

After an eventful first day of the Community Service Brigade, we boarded the buses to return to our hotel in San Salvador. While everyone enjoyed engaging with the local community, it was evident that we were all fatigued, in need of a shower, and looking forward to dinner. We set off on the hour and a half drive back to San Salvador on two buses. However, about an hour from the hotel, our bus broke down, leaving us stranded on the side of the road.

We called for the first bus, which turned around to pick us up. This took about an additional hour to resolve. Imagine the scene: everyone tired, sweaty, and hungry. Amid this unfortunate turn of events, I witnessed exceptional leadership from a local church leader named Josue Ortega.

I had never spent any time with Josue and knew little about him, but what I saw affirmed his exceptional leadership qualities. When the first bus arrived to pick us up, I was concerned about how we would all fit on one bus. Upon boarding, I noticed that Josue had already been chatting with all the passengers, putting their minds at ease, and had organized them to give up their seats and move to the back to make space for all the new passengers.

As the sun began to set and everyone’s fatigue grew, an unexpected burst of joy erupted from the back of the bus. Curious about the commotion, I turned to see Josue hanging from the bus ceiling railings, generating laughter, and lifting everyone’s spirits.

In a moment when passengers could have been disgruntled due to the breakdown and the extended travel time, Josue decided to be inspirational. This is what true leadership is about.

It is easy to lead when the environment is positive, the schedule is on track, and the workload is light. However, it takes transformative leadership to inspire others to give up their seats, to navigate the setback of a broken bus, and to bring joy and laughter during chaos and fatigue.

Josue's actions turned a challenging situation into a memorable and uplifting experience. He reminded us of all that leadership is not just about guiding others through smooth waters but also about fostering resilience and positivity in the face of adversity.

Our world is full of adversity. The winds and storms of life are hitting many people especially hard today. My job at HOPE worldwide is to adjust the sails and direct our team, volunteers, and donors towards providing compassion and tangible resources for those who are suffering.

People can become overwhelmed by the challenges we face, and they can easily forget that they can be part of the solution. We are an answer for those who are hurting, and there is no greater blessing than experiencing that in person with those in need. Together, we inspire greater hope.

Ben Barnett, MDiv, DMin

President & CEO of HOPE worldwide

VOLUNTEER

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