Managing March: Keeping Leadership Steady
“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:
when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ~ Charles Dickens, Great
Expectations
March. It’s the “madness” month—and not just because of basketball. The
unpredictable weather that defines March is notorious. As the Weather Channel
explains, the month often sees an atmospheric clash between winter and spring. Expect
everything from tornadoes and winter storms to heavy rain, lingering cold, teasing
warmth, and powerful winds. It’s a month of extremes.
For those of us in the Grounds industry, March can feel especially chaotic. With all the
unpredictability, it’s more important than ever to maintain steady leadership during this
time.
But what does “steady leadership” actually look like?
- Be Agile: Steady leadership requires agility. Like March weather, the pace of the
workday can fluctuate between periods of intense activity and calm. A strong leader
adapts to both, guiding the team through each shift. Encourage collaboration, and view
these changes as opportunities to innovate. The agile leader helps the team grow in
both skill and confidence, making room for everyone to evolve. - Keep the Vision Clear: No matter how wild the storm, a steady leader keeps the
organization’s vision clear and strong. I’ve written before about the importance of setting
clear goals for the organization, the team, and the individual. In the face of constant
change, it’s easy to lose sight of these goals. But a good leader refreshes the vision
regularly, ensuring the team remains focused and empowered. - Be Consistent and Predictable: In a month full of unpredictable weather, the leader
must be a steady, reliable presence. Start by greeting each day—and your team—with
consistency, whether the weather is sunny or stormy. Being fair, courteous, and
predictable in all interactions builds trust and stability. This predictability
Leading a team at any level is challenging, and March can make it feel even tougher.
But remember, Spring is just around the corner. Keep your leadership steady as you
navigate through the madness of the month.
Stay steady,
Jeff
