Some Days It’s Speed Bumps… Some Days It’s Giant Chickens

You Never Know What You’ll Encounter ☕️

A couple of weekends ago, I was out running errands when I came across something I didn’t expect.

Actually… two things.

One was a series of speed bumps that seemed to appear out of nowhere.

The other?

A giant chicken.

(Yes… an actual, larger-than-life chicken.)

It made me laugh — but it also made me think.

Because leadership feels a lot like that some days.

You can plan.
Prepare.
Map out your schedule.

And then suddenly…

Something unexpected shows up.

Sometimes it’s a small disruption:

• a delayed project
• a miscommunication
• a quick pivot you didn’t plan for

Other times, it feels bigger:

• a difficult conversation
• a team challenge
• a situation that completely throws off your rhythm

You don’t always get a warning sign.

And you definitely don’t always get to choose the moment.

What Matters Most in Those Moments

Leadership isn’t defined by how well things go according to plan.

It’s defined by how you respond when they don’t.

In those unexpected moments, people are watching:

• Do you react or respond?
• Do you get frustrated or get curious?
• Do you create calm—or contribute to chaos?

Because how you show up in the moment becomes the message your team remembers.

And over time, those responses shape culture.

☕ Coffee Conversation

Think about the last unexpected moment you faced.

Did your response create clarity or confusion?

✏️ One Small Edit

The next time something unexpected shows up, pause before reacting.

Ask yourself:

“What response would move this forward?”

Not:
“What’s frustrating about this?”
Not:
“Why is this happening?”

But:
​“What helps us move forward?”

That one shift can change everything.

Some days you’ll hit speed bumps.

Some days you’ll run into giant chickens.

Either way…

How you respond is what people will remember.

Coffee’s on,