In a crisis situation, most people default to what they are comfortable with and what they know. Leadership uses what it knows to create new possibilities and opportunities in real-time.  In a crisis situation, most will be overwhelmed with the volume of data, activities and decisions to be made.  Leadership works to put a structure around most of this, and yet still accepts the fact that there are unknowns and grey area. Agility matters most. Leadership will never accept decision paralysis as a viable path. To not make a decision is to make a decision.  During a crisis, you see the difference in management and leadership, they are both important, but are not the same. Leadership is about measured growth and management is about maintaining.  Leadership is about challenging and inspiring others to deliver their best and management is generally about accepting things as they are.

In the last few weeks, I have seen extraordinary leadership from so many in the St. Louis Community. I’ve appreciated watching and experiencing the “can do and will do” attitude that has permeated every aspect of our region. From the locally owned grocery stores who continue to stay open for business to, the restaurants who each day prepares hot meals for its furloughed employees, to our hospital workers who are on the front lines caring for our sick, to our construction workers who are modifying facilities should there be a need for additional medical capacity.

This is the definition of community.  And I am proud of the St. Louis community.

Community and connection is important during this leadership moment. Please see our 2019 community impact report for stories of everyday people who in the midst of this crisis is a sobering reminder of what we are fighting for as leaders. We are fighting to ensure that all people have responsible access to capital and are able to protect what they have worked so hard to build.

If I or one of my colleagues at Midwest BankCentre can be of any help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at HeyOrvSTL@midwestbankcentre.com or 314-446-3175.  Also check out www.midwestbankcentre.com/life-happens. Midwest BankCentre stands ready and able to help.