This is a Time to be Calm and Emerge as a Leader

By: Avis Wukasch, Chair-Elect of the Round Rock Chamber

In every crisis leaders emerge. A “washed up” politician on May 10, 1940 emerged again to lead Britain through World War II (about eighty years ago). Another example, American Army medic, Desmond Doss, who was the first person to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot. Both of these men showed leadership in a time of crisis, both of these men reached out and sought opportunities to help people get through their fears.

Winston Churchill rallied the British people and pulled them from the edge of defeat to victory. Desmond Doss, conscientious objector, private first class, U.S. Army medic, ridiculed for refusing to carry a gun, became a medic and saved the lives of seventy-five men at the Battle of Okinawa. What do we learn from these men? Stand firm in your belief system, lead with the heart of a servant, leaders emerge sometimes from unlikely places.

Will you emerge?

Not nearly as famous and yet very impactful are the local leaders in Round Rock who have “stepped up” and shown great leadership for our community in this crisis. Creation of the Round Rock Cares fund by the City, the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation, the Chamber, and Dell Technologies, is just one example of a step up in leadership.  Many thanks to the MANY people who assisted in this. As of April 30, right at $400,000 has been raised and 160 businesses have received assistance. Medical professionals, emergency service professionals, fire fighters, law enforcement, and all others still working to take care of others. Leaders in our community emerging to serve others.

Have you said, “thank you”?

In my long career in the real estate business in Williamson County, I have survived four economic downturns, all of which were created by economic issues. This is an unheard of economic crisis created by a medical issue, where we all were first voluntold then we volunteered to close or mostly close our businesses then go home and stay home. Analytically this is fascinating to watch, personally this is painful to experience. For those of you who have not experienced a downturn in our economy you may be asking yourself, “how do I survive this”? The solution is simple and yet NOT easy.  First, you MUST examine every dollar you spend and make sure it needs to be spent. Second, you need to remember that life and business are all about the people. The people that you serve. Put their needs first, whether you are in retail or real estate or high tech, give attention to the needs of your customers and clients.

Who will you serve today?

This is not a time for panic. This is a time to be calm, to be the leader you are meant to be. Reach inside to what you believe in, at your core, and hold on to hope. Find where you can do the most good and do it. As Willie Nelson might say, “this is not something you get over, it is something you get through.”

Ask yourself these questions every day, “what did I learn today and who did I make a difference for today”?

This too shall pass.

Avis Wukasch
Broker
Keller Williams Realty Round Rock
Broker/Operating Partner
Keller Williams Georgetown